In vitro Regulation of ACTH Release from Neurointermediate Lobe of Rat Hypophysis

Abstract

The effect of various neurotransmitters on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from superfused neurointermediate lobes of rat hypophysis (NIL) was investigated. Acetylcholine, serotonin, and histamine were shown to have no significant effect on the spontaneous release of ACTH. In contrast, dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) stimulated NIL ACTH release in a dose-dependent manner. The stimulating effect of DA was mimicked by apomorphine and inhibited by haloperidol, whereas that of NA was abolished by phentolamine. In a comparative study, none of these neurotransmitters is shown to have any significant stimulating effect on ACTH release from superfused anterior lobes. It is concluded that the ACTH release from NIL might be controlled, at least in part, by catecholaminergic innervation.