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Galanin regulates basal and oestrogen-stimulated lactotroph function
D Wynick1, P J Hammond, K O Akinsanya
1Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Nature
|August 5, 1993
Summary
Oestrogen regulates reproductive hormones by controlling lactotroph cells. This study reveals that galanin, a neuropeptide, mediates oestrogen
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Oestrogen is a key regulator of reproductive function, influencing lactotroph proliferation and prolactin release.
- Galanin, a neuropeptide found in lactotrophs, has an unknown physiological role.
- Pituitary galanin expression is highly sensitive to oestrogen levels, increasing significantly during pregnancy and lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological function of galanin in lactotroph regulation.
- To determine if galanin mediates the effects of oestrogen on lactotroph proliferation and prolactin release.
Main Methods:
- Investigated galanin secretion by lactotrophs.
- Assessed the role of galanin in basal and stimulated prolactin release using galanin antiserum.
- Examined the effect of hyperoestrogenization on galanin-secreting cells and prolactin release.
- Evaluated galanin's mitogenic effects on lactotrophs and oestrogen's influence via galanin-immunoneutralization.
Main Results:
- Galanin is secreted by a subset of lactotrophs and is crucial for regulating prolactin release.
- Hyperoestrogenization increases galanin-secreting cells, and this effect on prolactin release is blocked by galanin antiserum.
- Galanin acts as a potent lactotroph growth factor, mediating oestrogen's mitogenic effects.
Conclusions:
- Galanin plays a critical role in the paracrine regulation of lactotroph function.
- Oestrogen's effects on lactotroph proliferation and prolactin release are mediated by locally secreted galanin.