The in vitro effect of prolactin on the growth, motility and expression of prolactin receptors in larvae of Toxocara canis

[Display omitted] •Prolactin treatment in vitro increased growth and motility of Toxocara canis larvae.•Cells of Toxocara canis larvae have prolactin receptors-like protein.•Prolactin receptors-like were localized in the intestine of the Toxocara canis larvae.•Toxocara canis has a DNA fragment like dog’s prolactin receptor gene. The in vitro effect of prolactin (PRL) on the growth and motility of Toxocara canis larvae was assessed. Additionally, the expression and location of prolactin receptors (PRL-Rs) were determined in the larvae. Larvae of T. canis were incubated with different concentrations of PRL for different periods of time. The stimulated larvae accelerated their enlargement and increased their motility. The mean percentage of PRL-R+ cells in non-stimulated larvae, measured by flow cytometry was 7.3±0.3%. Compared with non-stimulated larvae, the mean fluorescence intensity (p