Anterior pituitary hormone release in vitro inversely related to extracellular osmolarity

Release of hormones from bovine anterior pituitary tissue in vitro was inveresly related to the osmolarity of the incubation medium. Addition of each of several ionic or non-ionic solutes to Krebs-Ringer-bicarbonate (KRB) or to beef serum inhibited hormone release. If the value of 286 mOsm/liter of KRB is considered as 100%, the osmolarity of the medium was altered from -15% to +10% of control. Over this range, an increase in osmolarity of 10% resulted in the following percentage inhibition: ACTH, 47; PRL, 43; TSH, 36; LH, 23; GH, 18; maximal percentage inhibition over this range was as follows: ACTH, 80; PRL, 60; TSH, 60; LH, 45; GH, 40. The inverse relationship between extracellular oxmolarity and secretion of ACTH and PRL would appear to be appropriate in view of the salt and water retaining actions of these hormones. The sensitivity of the response to osmotic changes suggests a possible role of body osmolarity in the regulation of adenohypophysial secretion.