Abstract
The effect of immunoneutralization of β-endorphin on the suckling-induced prolactin increase and on the activity of the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons was determined in lactating female rats between days 8 – 12 post-partum. Two antisera were used in the immunoneutralization studies. Both were specific for β-endorphin, exhibiting little cross reactivity with met- or leu-enkephalin or dynorphin. Antisera to β-endorphin completely abolished the suckling-induced prolactin increase indicating that this endogenous opioid peptide is involved in this response. Suckling significantly inhibited DOPA accumulation in the median eminence and antiserum to β-endorphin did not prevent this inhibition. Additionally, β-endorphin antiserum significantly reduced TIDA neural activity even in pup-deprived dams. These results indicate that β-endorphin is involved in the prolactin secretory response to suckling but that inhibition of TIDA neuronal activity is not its mechanism of action. Other possible mechanisms are discussed.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call