The stimulation of prolactin secretion by taurine: studies on the site of action

Taurine's site of action within the central nervous system was localized by studying its effect on prolactin secretion following the microinfusion of 125 nmoles of this amino acid into discrete regions of the brain. Taurine was found to stimulate prolactin secretion only when microinfused into the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Taurine was not effective in other areas of the hypothalamus or in several extra-hypothalamic sites. Mannitol infusions (125 nmoles) into the arcuate nucleus, used as a control, were without effect on prolactin secretion. These studies extend previous observations on the prolactin-releasing action of centrally administered taurine and suggest further that the arcuate nucleus is one target site for this action.