The effect of neurotensin on pituitary secretion of thyrotrophin and prolactin in vitro

Abstract

Abstract. The effects of neurotensin on thyrotrophin (TSH) and prolactin (Prl) release were studied in two in vitro systems – anterior pituitary cells in culture and perifused anterior pituitary fragments. Neurotensin significantly reduced basal secretion of both TSH and Prl (P < 0.001) from cultured pituitary cells, and abolished thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH)-stimulated TSH release. Neurotensin significantly reduced TRH-stimulated TSH and Prl release (P < 0.02) from perifused pituitary fragments. These data indicate that neurotensin has a direct inhibitory effect on TSH and Prl secretion by the anterior pituitary.