Transforming growth factor-beta 1 inhibits prolactin secretion and lactotropic cell proliferation in the pituitary of oestrogen-treated Fischer 344 rats.
Recently it has been shown that lactotropic cells in the anterior pituitary gland produce and secrete transforming growth factor-beta 1-(TGF-beta 1) like peptide. The in vivo action(s) of this peptide growth factor on lactotropic cells have not been studied. In this study we determined the effects of TGF-beta 1 on lactotropic cell function in estradiol-17 beta-treated ovariectomized rats. Intrapituitary administration of TGF-beta 1 significantly inhibited plasma levels of prolactin (PRL). In addition, TGF-beta 1 decreased pituitary weight and the DNA synthesis in lactotropes and reduced the PRL levels in the pituitary. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may be a physiological regulator of PRL secretion and lactotropic cell proliferation.
Minami
S
S
Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6520, USA.
Sarkar
D K
DK
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D010052:Ovariectomy; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004967:Estrogens; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D004958:Estradiol; D011388:Prolactin