Beta-adrenergic, CRF-ergic and dopaminergic mechanisms controlling α-MSH secretion in rat pars intermedia cells in primary culture

Abstract

1. A pure population of pars intermedia cells in primary culture was used to study changes in alpha-MSH secretion and cyclic AMP accumulation. 2. Beta-adrenergic agonists and CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor) stimulate alpha-MSH secretion and cyclic AMP accumulation. 3. Dopaminergic agonists inhibit basal as well as (-)isoproterenol- and CRF-induced alpha-MSH secretion and cyclic AMP accumulation. 4. Beta-adrenergic, dopaminergic and CRF receptors regulate pars intermedia cell activity probably through the adenylate cyclase system.