PRL and inflammatory response: Oxidative stress in pregnancy in combination with high levels of prolactin at the end of pregnancy can result in the formation of the 16 kDA form of prolactin, which is both angiostatic and proapoptotic, and can impair endothelial function resulting in cardiac inflammation.2 4 17 High prolactin levels are inevitable in pregnancy, thus a pathophysiological role in PPCM is very possible; however, it might not be exclusive to pregnancy.