title: Zinc may have a physiological role in regulating pituitary prolactin secretion.
abstract: We studied the in vitro influence of physiologically relevant zinc concentrations on the pituitary synthesis and secretion of prolactin (Prl). Zinc in concentrations between 1 and 10 microM reduced Prl secretion and, to a milder extent, synthesis, but not basal or stimulated growth hormone (GH) or LH release. At a supraphysiological concentration of 100 microM, zinc markedly decreased Prl synthesis and secretion, but increased LH secretion. The ability of a physiological zinc concentration to influence Prl secretion suggests that this trace element may have a role in the in vivo regulation of Prl release.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D015032:Zinc / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D013006:Growth Hormone; D015032:Zinc