Which of the following would occur if the hypothalamic-pituitary stalk were surgically severed?
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Correct answer: Increase in prolactin, drop in other anterior hormones
Most anterior pituitary hormones rely on hypothalamic 'releasing' hormones, so their levels drop. Prolactin, however, is tonically inhibited by dopamine; removing this inhibition leads to an increase in Prolactin levels.
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