Modification of stress-induced prolactin release by dexamethasone or adrenalectomy. 1975

P G Harms, and P Langlier, and S M McCann

A study was conducted to determine the influence of conditions known to alter ACTH secretion on prolactin release by the pituitary. Dexamethasone or 0.9% NaCl was injected subcutaneously into intact male rats 4 hr before a 2-min ether stress. Other rats were submitted to the ether stress 2 weeks following adrenalectomy. Five min following exposure to the ether stress, the rats were decapitated and trunk blood was collected. Dexamethasone (31, 125 or 500 mug/kg) blocked the stress-induced prolactin release in a dosage dependent manner with the highest dose decreasing plasma prolactin to levels similar to those observed in rats not exposed to the ether stress. Conversely, adrenalectomy was found to potentiate prolactin release due to ether stress. The results indicate that the adrenal may play a regulatory role in stress-induced prolactin release. The are also consistent with the suggestion that a common pathway or mechanism may be involved in pituitary release.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D010902 Pituitary Gland A small, unpaired gland situated in the SELLA TURCICA. It is connected to the HYPOTHALAMUS by a short stalk which is called the INFUNDIBULUM. Hypophysis,Hypothalamus, Infundibular,Infundibular Stalk,Infundibular Stem,Infundibulum (Hypophysis),Infundibulum, Hypophyseal,Pituitary Stalk,Hypophyseal Infundibulum,Hypophyseal Stalk,Hypophysis Cerebri,Infundibulum,Cerebri, Hypophysis,Cerebrus, Hypophysis,Gland, Pituitary,Glands, Pituitary,Hypophyseal Stalks,Hypophyses,Hypophysis Cerebrus,Infundibular Hypothalamus,Infundibular Stalks,Infundibulums,Pituitary Glands,Pituitary Stalks,Stalk, Hypophyseal,Stalk, Infundibular,Stalks, Hypophyseal,Stalks, Infundibular
D011388 Prolactin A lactogenic hormone secreted by the adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). It is a polypeptide of approximately 23 kD. Besides its major action on lactation, in some species prolactin exerts effects on reproduction, maternal behavior, fat metabolism, immunomodulation and osmoregulation. Prolactin receptors are present in the mammary gland, hypothalamus, liver, ovary, testis, and prostate. Lactogenic Hormone, Pituitary,Mammotropic Hormone, Pituitary,Mammotropin,PRL (Prolactin),Hormone, Pituitary Lactogenic,Hormone, Pituitary Mammotropic,Pituitary Lactogenic Hormone,Pituitary Mammotropic Hormone
D011863 Radioimmunoassay Classic quantitative assay for detection of antigen-antibody reactions using a radioactively labeled substance (radioligand) either directly or indirectly to measure the binding of the unlabeled substance to a specific antibody or other receptor system. Non-immunogenic substances (e.g., haptens) can be measured if coupled to larger carrier proteins (e.g., bovine gamma-globulin or human serum albumin) capable of inducing antibody formation. Radioimmunoassays
D003864 Depression, Chemical The decrease in a measurable parameter of a PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESS, including cellular, microbial, and plant; immunological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, urinary, digestive, neural, musculoskeletal, ocular, and skin physiological processes; or METABOLIC PROCESS, including enzymatic and other pharmacological processes, by a drug or other chemical. Chemical Depression,Chemical Depressions,Depressions, Chemical
D003907 Dexamethasone An anti-inflammatory 9-fluoro-glucocorticoid. Hexadecadrol,Decaject,Decaject-L.A.,Decameth,Decaspray,Dexasone,Dexpak,Hexadrol,Maxidex,Methylfluorprednisolone,Millicorten,Oradexon,Decaject L.A.
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D004986 Ether A mobile, very volatile, highly flammable liquid used as an inhalation anesthetic and as a solvent for waxes, fats, oils, perfumes, alkaloids, and gums. It is mildly irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Diethyl Ether,Ether, Ethyl,Ethyl Ether,Ether, Diethyl
D000311 Adrenal Glands A pair of glands located at the cranial pole of each of the two KIDNEYS. Each adrenal gland is composed of two distinct endocrine tissues with separate embryonic origins, the ADRENAL CORTEX producing STEROIDS and the ADRENAL MEDULLA producing NEUROTRANSMITTERS. Adrenal Gland,Gland, Adrenal,Glands, Adrenal
D000315 Adrenalectomy Excision of one or both adrenal glands. (From Dorland, 28th ed) Adrenalectomies

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