The pars tuberalis: the missing link in the photoperiodic regulation of prolactin secretion?
The endocrine function of the pars tuberalis of the pituitary gland has been an enigma for many years. Recent work suggests that one of its primary functions in seasonal mammals is to mediate photoperiodically regulated changes in prolactin secretion via an unidentified factor called tuberalin.
Morgan
P J
PJ
Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK. p.morgan@rri.sari.ac.uk
D000818:Animals; D015870:Gene Expression; D008550:Melatonin / Q000502:physiology; D017440:Photoperiod; D010903:Pituitary Gland, Anterior / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D012621:Seasons
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D044094:Receptors, Melatonin; D011388:Prolactin; D008550:Melatonin