The autocrine/paracrine regulation of thyrotropin secretion

Peptides originally described in other tissues have been located in the anterior pituitary gland. Detection of their encoding mRNAs and specific receptors, together with demonstration of peptide local action led to the postulation of the existence of a paracrine/autocrine regulation of pituitary function. Direct evidence for the role of endogenous peptides has come from studies aiming to block their action through immunoneutralization or pharmacologic blockade. Here we review evidence of pituitary produced peptides as potential candidates as local regulators of thyrotropin secretion. Few studies have approached the subject and most data are not conclusive. Until now, the most consistent data relate to neuromedin B, a bombesin-like peptide. The combined observation of high peptide concentration in rat thyrotrophs, the ability of the exogenous peptide to inhibit thyrotropin (TSH) release in physiologic doses plus the effect of the specific neuromedin B antiserum to increase basal TSH release from isolated pituitaries suggest that neuromedin B acts as a constitutive autocrine TSH-release inhibitor. Neuromedin B is upregulated by thyroid hormones and downregulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that is consistent with proposed role of local factors, namely to partially mediate or modulate the effects of hormones on pituitary function. However, future studies will certainly confirm other candidates as local regulators of TSH secretion, as well as their relevance at physiologic and pathologic conditions.