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Atrial natriuretic hormone, vessel dilator, long acting natriuretic hormone, and kaliuretic hormone decrease

D L Vesely1, G I San Miguel, I Hassan

  • 1University of South Florida Cardiac Hormone Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. vesely_david_l@tampa.va.gov

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|June 14, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Four cardiac hormones, including atrial natriuretic hormone, were found to significantly lower circulating prolactin levels in humans. These prolactin-inhibitory hormones offer new insights into hormonal regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone with diverse functions, and its release is tightly regulated by hypothalamic factors like dopamine.
  • Understanding additional regulators of prolactin secretion is crucial for comprehending endocrine system dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of four specific cardiac hormones on circulating prolactin concentrations in humans.
  • To determine if long-acting natriuretic hormone, vessel dilator, kaliuretic hormone, and atrial natriuretic hormone act as prolactin-inhibitory agents.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 30 human participants was conducted.
  • Four cardiac hormones were infused at a concentration of 100 ng/kg/min for 60 minutes.
  • Prolactin levels were measured at the end of infusion and 3 hours post-infusion.

Main Results:

  • All four infused hormones significantly decreased circulating prolactin levels (p < 0.001).
  • Vessel dilator and atrial natriuretic hormone showed the most potent acute reduction in prolactin.
  • Sustained prolactin reduction was observed 3 hours after infusions, with vessel dilator and atrial natriuretic hormone maintaining significant effects.

Conclusions:

  • Four cardiac hormones (long-acting natriuretic hormone, vessel dilator, kaliuretic hormone, atrial natriuretic hormone) function as circulating prolactin-inhibitory hormones.
  • These hormones may exert their effects partly via dopamine pathways and by reducing corticotropin-releasing hormone.
  • The findings expand the known regulatory network of prolactin secretion beyond hypothalamic control.

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