Demonstration of a specific receptor for prolactin in porcine granulosa cells

Porcine granulosa cells and subcellular fractions from these cells have been shown to have a specific receptor for ovine prolactin (OPRL). Ovine growth hormone demonstrated 7% of the potency of OPRL in displacing 125I-OPRL from its binding site; FSH, TSH, LH, insulin and ACTH showed negligible cross-reactivity. Scatchard analysis of the displacement curves suggested that 125I-OPRL has a high affinity for its receptor with a dissociation constant (Kd) for the granulosa cell-receptor of 7.4-7.7 times 10(-10) M with no change as the follicle enlarges. In contrast, the specific binding of prolactin decreased markedly with maturation of the follicles with an apparent decrease in binding sites/cell from 555 in small follicles to 300 in large (preovulatory) follicles. The demonstrated Kd's were within the range of prolactin concentrations easily attained in vivo and were in good agreement with values obtained in our laboratory and elsewhere for the prolactin receptor from mammary gland and other tissues. Consequently, these studies may provide a basis for a better understanding of the role of prolactin in ovarian function.