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Prolactin receptors in the primate choroid plexus
R J Walsh1, L P Mangurian, B I Posner
1Department of Anatomy, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20037.
Journal of Anatomy
|February 1, 1990
Summary
Scientists confirmed prolactin receptors in primate choroid plexus using competitive binding assays. This finding supports a potential mechanism for prolactin transport from blood to cerebrospinal fluid in primates.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Prolactin receptor presence in primate choroid plexus was previously inferred from lower vertebrate models.
- The choroid plexus is a key structure for cerebrospinal fluid production and blood-brain barrier regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly demonstrate the presence of specific prolactin binding sites in the primate choroid plexus.
- To investigate the potential for a prolactin blood-to-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) transport mechanism in primates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an in vitro autoradiographic technique.
- Employed the principles of competitive binding assays to identify prolactin binding sites.
Main Results:
- Specific prolactin binding sites were successfully demonstrated in the choroid plexus of monkeys.
- The findings confirm the presence of the necessary receptors for prolactin binding in the primate choroid plexus.
Conclusions:
- The primate choroid plexus possesses specific prolactin receptors, similar to lower vertebrate mammals.
- This receptor presence indicates a potential physiological mechanism for prolactin transport across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier in primates.