The in vitro release of LH during continuous superfusion of single rat anterior pituitary glands.

Abstract

SummaryStimulation of single rat anterior pituitary glands has been obtained in a continuously superfused system as demonstrated by radioimmunoassay of LH in the superfusate. The results show the possibility of repeatedly stimulating a single pituitary gland, with approximately graded responses to hypothalamic extracts, in presence of a constant basal release rate. The data indicate that a relatively constant basal release rate is obtained under these conditions and that intermittent administration of hypothalamic extracts results in repeated acute release of LH. The period of release was largely limited to the time during which hypothalamic extract was administered. Equivalent amounts of cerebral cortex extract only produced slight increase of LH concentration in the superfusate.