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Vasoactive intestinal peptide affects the GABAergic system in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
B H Duvilanski1, M Lasaga, A Seilicovich
1Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Brain Research Bulletin
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) influences GABA levels in the pituitary gland. Anti-VIP serum affects GABA differently in normal versus hyperprolactinemic rats, impacting GABA release and degradation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neurochemistry
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a key neurohormone.
- GABA is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulates numerous physiological functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of VIP antiserum on GABA in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
- To explore VIP's role in regulating GABAergic neurotransmission.
- To understand how VIP influences GABA release and degradation.
Main Methods:
- Administration of anti-VIP serum (A-VIP) in vivo and in vitro.
- Induction of hyperprolactinemia using estrogens or pituitary implants.
- Measurement of GABA concentration and release from hypothalamic and pituitary tissues.
- In vitro studies on GABA degradation.
Main Results:
- A-VIP increased anterior pituitary GABA in control rats but decreased it in hyperprolactinemic rats.
- A-VIP administration reduced anterior pituitary GABA in proestrous rats.
- In vitro, A-VIP enhanced GABA release and inhibited GABA degradation, while VIP had opposite effects.
Conclusions:
- VIP modulates GABA release from hypothalamic fragments.
- VIP influences GABA concentration in the anterior pituitary.
- VIP's effects on GABAergic neurotransmission are context-dependent, varying with physiological state and hyperprolactinemia.