Failure of bombesin to alter anterior pituitary hormone secretion in man

Because of the stimulating effects of bombesin on growth hormone and prolactin secretion in the rat, we have studied the effects of bombesin infusions on anterior pituitary hormone secretion in man. Biological activity of the infused bombesin was confirmed by observing a brisk increase in serum gastrin concentrations and in gastric acid secretion during the lowest dose of bombesin infused. We could demonstrate no effect of bombesin in doses fro 200-600 pmol.kg-1.h-1 on growth hormone, prolactin, thyrotrophin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.