title: Differential effects of melatonin on the stimulated release of LH from dispersed pituitary cells of the prepubertal female rat.
abstract: The effect of melatonin on the stimulated release of LH from prepubertal female rat pituitary cells in vitro was investigated. Significant inhibition of LH-releasing hormone and calcium ionophore-induced LH release was seen but not of potassium-induced release. These results suggest a specific interaction between melatonin and the endogenous events leading to LH release, and may implicate melatonin as an important neuroendocrine component of pubertal development in this species.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012741:Sexual Maturation
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D000001:Calcimycin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D008550:Melatonin; D011188:Potassium