[A study on the biological action of hypothalamic tridecapeptide, neurotensin (author's transl)]

Investigations on various kinds of biological actions of a newly purified hypothalamic tridecapeptide, neurotensin, were performed both in vivo and in vitro by utilizing experimental animal models. The effect of neurotensin on pituitary gonadotropin release was studied in ovariectomized estrogen-progesterone-treated rats by the measurement of serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) in radioimmunoassays. Neurotensin (340 mg/100 g BW) significantly increased serum LH and FSH 30 minutes after an intravenous injection (p smaller than 0.05) and lowered serum prolactin concentrations significantly (p less than 0.025). Bradykinin and substance P showed on significant effect on serum LH and FSH release. Intraperitoneal or intravenous administration of 0.5 n.mole neurotensin lowered blood pressure in intact mature rats from the range of 90 approximately 100 mmHg to 50 approximately 60 mmHg; however, tachyphylaxis was observed after repeated injections of the same dose of this peptide. Neurotensin was as potent as bradykinin in inducing rat duodenum relaxation and guinea pig ileum contraction in vitro. Theses effects on neurotensin and bradykinin on the intestines were not inhibited by the pre-treatment of phentolamine, propranolol, methysergide and pyribenzamine. Bradykinin induced contractions of the uterus in proestrous rats, but neurotensin induced no marked contraction. These results suggest that neurotensin in not hypothalamic releasing or inhibiting factor but possess the nature of kinin.