title: Neurotensin enhances plasma adrenocorticotropin concentration by stimulating corticotropin-releasing hormone secretion.
abstract: The systemic administration of neurotensin (NT) dose-dependently increased plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentration in rats, and this effect was annulled by (alpha-helical)-CRH9-41, an antagonist of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). The systemic administration of [D-Trp11]-neurotensin (NT-A), a specific NT antagonist, dose-dependently reduced the basal level of circulating ACTH, and this effect was blunted by NT injection. The ACTH inhibitory action of NT-A was completely overcome by the administration of CRH. Taken together, our findings suggest that NT plays a physiologic role in rats, as ACTH secretagogue, and that the mechanism underlying this action of NT involves the stimulation of CRH release.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Nussdorfer
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Malendowicz
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Meneghelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mazzocchi
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D009496:Neurotensin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone