Prolactin is a protein hormone composed of 199 amino acids, with a molecular weight of approximately 23 kDa. It exists in both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms. The hormone is known to stimulate milk production (lactation) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Additionally, prolactin influences maternal behavior, reproductive functions, and has pleiotropic effects in both males and females .
Recombinant human prolactin is produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the prolactin gene into a host organism, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or HEK 293 cells, to produce the hormone in large quantities. This method ensures a high level of purity and biological activity, making it suitable for research and therapeutic applications .
Recombinant human prolactin is widely used in various research and clinical settings, including:
Recombinant human prolactin is typically produced in a carrier-free form, meaning it does not contain bovine serum albumin (BSA) or other carrier proteins. This enhances protein stability and shelf-life, allowing it to be stored at more dilute concentrations. The purity of recombinant human prolactin is usually greater than 95%, with endotoxin levels below 0.1 ng/μg .
Recombinant human prolactin is lyophilized from a filtered solution and can be reconstituted in sterile conditions. It is shipped at ambient temperature and should be stored at -20 to -70 °C to maintain its stability. Once reconstituted, it can be stored at 2 to 8 °C for up to one month or at -20 to -70 °C for up to three months under sterile conditions .