Abstract
The effect of galanin, a newly identified neuropeptide, on pituitary prolactin (PRL) secretion was examined in the rat. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of all 5 doses of galanin (0.4, 1, 2, 5 and 10 micrograms/rat) raised plasma PRL levels in urethane-anesthetized rats. Galanin injection (2 micrograms/rat, i.c.v.) also increased plasma PRL levels in conscious rats. The intermediate dose of galanin (2 micrograms/rat, i.c.v.) produced a greater response in plasma PRL levels than either smaller or larger doses of galanin. Intravenous injection of galanin did not affect plasma PRL levels. Passive immunization with specific anti-vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) rabbit serum suppressed plasma PRL response to galanin (2 micrograms/rat, i.c.v.) in anesthetized rats. These findings indicate that central galanin has a stimulatory role in pituitary PRL secretion via the hypothalamus in the rat and that VIP may be involved in rat PRL release induced by galanin.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.