Dissociation of dopamine from its receptor as a signal in the pleiotropic hypothalamic regulation of prolactin secretion.

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We have reviewed the literature, which supports an important role for dopamine withdrawal in the regulation of PRL secretion. Concentrations of dopamine in the hypophyseal portal circulation are sufficient to occupy the majority of dopamine receptors (1) and tonically suppress PRL secretion (20-26). Brief escapes from dopaminergic regulation associated with the secretion of PRL have been observed (37-41). Therefore, dopamine regulates secretion of PRL both by occupancy of, as well as dissociation from, specific D2 dopamine receptors. The rapid off rate from its receptor (2) is consistent with signals transmitted through brief decreases in dopamine concentration. The removal of dopamine for 10 min results in increases in intracellular cAMP and presumably activation of protein kinase A (39, 138) as well as activation of phospholipase C (137, 138) and protein kinase C (136). The removal of dopamine results directly in the release of PRL (37-41). Furthermore, the brief removal of dopamine results in the long-term potentiation of the PRL-releasing action of TRH (38-40). The potentiating action of dopamine withdrawal appears to be mediated by the activation of protein kinase A since pretreatment with VIP, a hormone that signals via protein kinase A, also potentiates the action of TRH (39). TRH stimulates PRL release via Ca2+/protein kinase C (177-184). The potentiating action of dopamine removal is selective for the Ca2+/protein kinase C pathway since dopamine removal does not potentiate the PRL-secreting action of VIP (38, 87, 92). The action of TRH is potentiated up to 30 min after the return of dopamine and the suppression of PRL to basal levels (38). In Fig. 10, dopamine dissociation from its receptor or VIP association to its receptor are shown separated by a broken line to indicate that by the time the potentiation of the action of TRH is tested, either dopamine is again occupying its receptor or VIP is no longer present. Therefore, the effect of protein kinase A activation is remembered by the lactotroph. We hypothesize that the responsiveness of the cell to TRH is potentiated by the phosphorylation of proteins by protein kinase A. Two potential substrates for protein kinase A are voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and protein phosphatase inhibitors that would prolong the action of protein kinase C. When TRH occupies its receptor, intracellular Ca2+ levels are increased first from intracellular stores and subsequently by extracellular Ca2+ influx (187-189). Intracellular Ca2+ is mobilized by increased levels of IP3(128). Extracellular Ca2+ enters the lactotroph via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (189, 190).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)