Nuclear manifestation of prolactin receptors in rat hepatocytes and effect of prolactin

Ligation of the common bile duct induced intense nuclear expression of prolactin receptors in hepatocytes of male and female rats. Bromocriptin abolished this effect in female, but not in male rats. In males with ectopic pituitary transplants, nuclear and cytoplasmic manifestations of prolactin receptors in hepatocytes decreased. It is concluded that prolactin exerted a sex-dependent effect on the content of prolactin receptors in hepatocyte nuclei in rats.