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Pars intermedia ACTH and MSH content: effect of adrenalectomy, gonadectomy and a neurotropic (noise) stress

J Kraicer, G Beraud, D W Lywood

    Neuroendocrinology
    |January 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    The pituitary gland's pars intermedia (PI) releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). PI ACTH and MSH levels change with gonadectomy and stress, but not adrenalectomy, showing a link to gonadotropin regulation.

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Neuroendocrinology
    • Pituitary Gland Physiology

    Background:

    • The pituitary gland, particularly the pars intermedia (PI), plays a crucial role in hormone regulation.
    • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) are key hormones involved in stress response and other physiological processes.
    • Understanding the regulation of PI hormones under different physiological conditions is essential for comprehending endocrine feedback mechanisms.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the dynamic changes in pars intermedia (PI) ACTH and MSH content in response to distinct experimental perturbations.
    • To elucidate the relationship between PI ACTH/MSH levels and pars distalis (PD) ACTH concentration under varying feedback conditions.
    • To determine the impact of neurotropic stressors on PI ACTH and MSH secretion.

    Main Methods:

    • Experimental induction of three perturbations: adrenalectomy, gonadectomy, and a neurotropic stressor.
    • Quantification of ACTH and MSH content within the PI.
    • Measurement of ACTH concentration in the pars distalis (PD).

    Main Results:

    • Adrenalectomy-induced feedback did not alter PI ACTH and MSH levels.
    • Gonadectomy-induced feedback was associated with significant changes in PI ACTH and MSH content.
    • A neurotropic stressor led to significant increases in both PI ACTH and MSH.
    • A consistent positive correlation was observed between PI ACTH and MSH content across all experimental conditions.

    Conclusions:

    • Pars intermedia (PI) ACTH and MSH secretion are dynamically regulated and responsive to feedback mechanisms involving gonadotropin secretion.
    • Neurotropic stressors significantly impact PI ACTH and MSH release, suggesting a role in the stress response pathway.
    • The positive correlation between PI ACTH and MSH indicates a co-regulatory or co-secretory mechanism within the PI.

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