[Age-related differences in macromolecule biosynthesis reactions in rat pituitary cells to catecholamine, serotonin...

In experiments using primary monolayer cultures norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and serotonin (10(-6)-10(-5) M) inhibited the rate of total protein biosynthesis more effectively in pituitary cells of pubertal and sexually mature rats as compared to neonates and prepubertal animals. Acetylcholine (10(-5)M) reduced the rate of total protein synthesis in pituitary cells of pubertal rats but did not change this parameter of functional activity in pituitary cells of neonatal animals. Norepinephrine and isoproterenol inhibited the rate of DNA synthesis in pituitary cells of newborn rats whereas serotonin and acetylcholine were of no avail in this respect. These results permit us suggest an important role of neurohumoral agents in regulation of rat pituitary cells growth and functional activity during the postnatal development.