Proposed galactogogue mechanism of action of phytoestrogen molecules in anterior pituitary and mammary gland. The E2-like action may induce PRL expression in anterior pituitary lactotrophic cells and milk production in MEC by indeterminate pathways (?). In lactotrophic cells, upregulation of PRL gene expression and secretion occurs directly by E2R and indirectly by mE2R inducing D2R inhibition. In MEC, PRL-R and EGF-R expressions are induced and milk synthesis, cell proliferation, and survival gene expression are suggested.
