Growth hormone and prolactin release by substance P in rats

The role of neurokinin A and its receptor in the regulation of prolactin secretion by the anterior pituitary of cyclic pigs

In pigs, plasma prolactin concentration markedly changes during the oestrous cycle and the regulation of its secretion is very complex. The contribution of neurokinins in this process has not been sufficiently delineated. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of neurokinin A (NKA) on prolactin synthesis and secretion in cyclic gilts. The expression of NKA precursor (Ppta) and receptor (Tacr2) genes as well as NKA and TACR proteins content in the porcine pituitaries (days 2-3, 9-10, 12-13, 15-16 and 19-20 of the cycle) was determined. Furthermore, the in vitro influence of NKA on the expression of prolactin (Prl), dopamine receptor (D2r), TRH receptor (Trhr) genes and prolactin secretion by the porcine pituitary cells (days 9-10, 15-16 and 19-20 of the cycle) was assessed. The expression of Ppta and Tacr2 as well as NKA and TACR proteins in the pituitary tissue has been changing throughout the oestrous cycle. NKA affected in vitro the expression of studied genes and prolactin secretion depending on the stage of the cycle, dose of NKA and/or duration of the cell incubation. Altogether, the study indicates that NKA is engaged in the modulation of prolactin secretion in the pig during the oestrous cycle.

Substance P stimulates Growth Hormone (GH) and GH-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) secretions through tachykinin NK2 receptors in sheep

Substance P is ubiquitous undecapeptide belonging to the tachykinins family. It has been found in the hypothalamus and is involved in the hypothalamo-hypophysial axis in several mammals, including human. Previous studies have shown that substance P increases GH secretions in rats and human. In this study, we have shown that intravenously infused substance P in sheep caused an increased level of Growth Hormone (GH) and GH-Releasing Hormone (GHRH), and decreased Somatotropin Release Inhibiting Hormone (SRIH) secretions. GH was obtained from peripheral blood. GHRH and SRIH were directly collected from hypophysial portal blood, using a trans-nasal surgery technique in a vigil sheep that allowed accessing to hypothalamo-hypophysial portal vessels. Hormones assays were performed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Moreover, we showed that substance P-induced GH and GHRH secretion appears to be mediated by NK2 tachykinin receptors, since it is specifically blocked by a non peptidic tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist (SR48968, Sanofi, Montpellier, France) whereas a non peptidic tachykinin NK1 antagonist (SR140333, Sanofi, Montpellier, France) failed to modify GH and GHRH hormones secretions.

Tachykinins and the control of prolactin secretion

Tachykinins are present in the pituitary gland and in brain areas involved in the control of the secretion of pituitary hormones. Tachykinins have been demonstrated to stimulate prolactin release acting directly on the anterior pituitary gland. These peptides have also been revealed to be able to act at the hypothalamic level, interacting with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that have the potential to affect prolactin secretion. Tachykinins seem to act by stimulating or inhibiting the release of the factors that affect prolactin secretion. Among them, tachykinins have been demonstrated to stimulate oxytocin and vasopressin release, which in turn results in prolactin release. Tachykinins also potentiated the response to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and reinforced the action of glutamate, which in turn result in prolactin release. They have also been shown to interact with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the control of prolactin secretion. In addition, tachykinins have been shown to inhibit GABA release, a neurotransmitter with prolactin-release inhibiting effect. This inhibition may result in an increased prolactin secretion by removal of the GABA inhibition. On the other hand, tachykinins have also been shown to stimulate dopamine release by the hypothalamus, an action that results in an inhibition of prolactin release. Dopamine is a well known inhibitor of prolactin secretion. In conclusion, although tachykinins have been shown to have a predominantly stimulatory effect on prolactin secretion, especially at the pituitary level, under some circumstances they may also exert an inhibitory influence on prolactin release, by stimulating dopamine release at the hypothalamic level.

Changes in substance P content at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis during the Wallerian degeneration of peripheral sympathetic neurons after superior cervical ganglionectomy in male rats: effect of hyperprolactinemia

The effects of Wallerian degeneration of the peripheral sympathetic neurons projecting to the hypothalamus on the mechanism of interaction between prolactin and substance P (SP) were examined. The effects of superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) on SP content in various hypothalamic regions and in the hypophysis were evaluated in control and hyperprolactinemic rats. Male rats that received pituitary transplants at the age of 5 days and age-matched sham-operated controls were used. Pituitary grafting significantly increased circulating values of prolactin, as did SCGx. In hyperprolactinemic rats, SCGx partially decreased plasma prolactin levels. Neonatal hyperprolactinemia decreased SP content in the anterior (AH) and posterior (PH) hypothalamus and in the median eminence (ME), but increased it in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). Acute SCGx significantly increased SP in the MBH, PH, and ME. SCGx in hyperprolactinemic animals further increased SP content in MBH. In the ME and Ah, SCGx in pituitary grafted rats decreased SP content as compared with the controls. In the pituitary gland (PG), SCGx only decreased SP content in hyperprolactinemic, but not in control rats. An interaction between peripheral nor-adrenergic neurons and prolactin to regulate SP within the hypothalamus was positive in the MBH, AH, ME, and PG, but not in the PH. These data indicate the existence of interactive mechanisms between prolactin and the peripheral sympathetic neurons to regulate SP content at the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Interrelationships between prolactin and SP were also observed.

Prolactin: structure, function, and regulation of secretion

Prolactin is a protein hormone of the anterior pituitary gland that was originally named for its ability to promote lactation in response to the suckling stimulus of hungry young mammals. We now know that prolactin is not as simple as originally described. Indeed, chemically, prolactin appears in a multiplicity of posttranslational forms ranging from size variants to chemical modifications such as phosphorylation or glycosylation. It is not only synthesized in the pituitary gland, as originally described, but also within the central nervous system, the immune system, the uterus and its associated tissues of conception, and even the mammary gland itself. Moreover, its biological actions are not limited solely to reproduction because it has been shown to control a variety of behaviors and even play a role in homeostasis. Prolactin-releasing stimuli not only include the nursing stimulus, but light, audition, olfaction, and stress can serve a stimulatory role. Finally, although it is well known that dopamine of hypothalamic origin provides inhibitory control over the secretion of prolactin, other factors within the brain, pituitary gland, and peripheral organs have been shown to inhibit or stimulate prolactin secretion as well. It is the purpose of this review to provide a comprehensive survey of our current understanding of prolactin's function and its regulation and to expose some of the controversies still existing.

Intercellular communication in the anterior pituitary

In addition to hypothalamic and feedback inputs, the secretory cells of the anterior pituitary are influenced by the activity of factors secreted within the gland. The list of putative intrapituitary factors has been expanding steadily over the past decade, although until recently much of the work was limited to descriptions of potential interactions. This took the form of evidence of production within the pituitary of factors already known to influence activity of secretory cells, or further descriptions of actions on pituitary cells by such factors when added exogenously. A new phase of discovery has been entered, with extensive efforts being made to delineate the control of the synthesis and secretion of the pituitary factors within the gland, regulation of the receptors and response mechanisms for the factors in pituitary cells, and measurements of the endogenous actions of the factors through the use of specific immunoneutralization, receptor blockade, tissue from transgenic animals, and other means. Taken together, these findings are producing blueprints of the intrapituitary interactions that influence each of the individual types of secretory cells, leading toward an understanding of the physiological significance of the interactions. The purpose of this article is to review the recent literature on many of the factors acting as intrapituitary signals and to present such finding in the context of the physiology of the secretory cells.

Interaction between substance P and gastrin-releasing peptide on thyrotropin secretion by rat pituitary in vitro

The effect of substance P (SP) on thyrotropin (TSH) secretion is controversial. In this study we evaluated the effect of SP on TSH secretion by hemipituitaries of 3-month-old Wistar rats in vitro and its interaction with gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) at equimolar concentrations (1 microM and 10 microM). TSH release was measured under basal conditions and 30 min after incubation in the absence or presence of SP, GRP or both peptides. Pituitary TSH content was also measured in the pituitary homogenate after incubation. SP at both concentrations caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in TSH secretion compared with all other groups, which was approximately 60% (1 microM) and 85% (10 microM) higher than that of the control group (23.3 +/- 3.0 ng/ml). GRP at the lower concentration did not produce a statistically significant change in TSH secretion, whereas at the concentration of 10 microM it produced a 50% reduction in TSH. GRP co-incubated with substance P completely blocked the stimulatory effect of SP at both concentrations. Pituitary TSH content decreased in the SP-treated group compared to controls (0.75 +/- 0.03 microg/hemipituitary) at the same proportion as the increase in TSH secretion, and this effect was also blocked when GRP and SP were co-incubated. In conclusion, in an in vitro system, SP increased TSH secretion acting directly at the pituitary level and this effect was blocked by GRP, suggesting that GRP is more potent than SP on TSH secretion, and that this inhibitory effect could be the predominant effect in vivo.

Galanin in normal and hyperplastic anterior pituitary cells. From pituitary tumor cell lines to transgenic mice

Studies on the regulation of galanin expression in the epithelial cells of the anterior pituitary gland have provided a wealth of insight into the cellular and molecular biology of this unique peptide. Galanin is localized within subpopulations of specific pituitary cell types, and hypothalamic as well as gonadal factors including dopamine, somatostatin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), estrogen, and progesterone dynamically regulate its expression and release. Galanin gene expression and peptide secretion are markedly increased in estrogen-induced prolactinomas, wherein galanin serves as both an autocrine and paracrine hormone regulating prolactin secretion. Galanin mRNA and peptide levels are also dramatically elevated in somatotroph adenomas of human GHRH transgenic mice. Moreover, galanin secretion is increased from the hyperplastic somatotrophs of hGHRH transgenic mice. However, not all pituitary adenomas are associated with increased galanin gene expression; galanin synthesis is repressed in 131I-induced thyrotroph adenomas. Thus, galanin acts locally to regulate pituitary hormone secretion and appears to act as a mitogenic factor to increase the proliferation of pituitary cells in a cell-type specific manner.

Cross-talk between cellular signaling pathways activated by substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in rat lactotroph-enriched pituitary cell cultures

We have investigated cross-talk between the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC)/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) messenger systems probed by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP), respectively, in rat pituitary cell cultures enriched in lactotrophs. VIP and forskolin had no effect on the basal distribution pattern of the four PKC isozymes (alpha, beta, delta, and zeta) detectable in lactotroph-enriched cell cultures derived from peripubertal male rats, whereas both compounds significantly increased translocation of PKC alpha and beta from the cytosol to the plasma membrane induced by SP. The delta and zeta subspecies were not affected by VIP and forskolin. Moreover, VIP and forskolin also stimulated SP-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 while having no effect on basal inositol phosphate turnover. The effects of VIP and forskolin on PKC isozyme distribution could be blocked by pretreating cells with the PKA inhibitor rp-cAMP. On the other hand, SP potentiated the effect of VIP and forskolin on cAMP formation while having no effect on the cAMP pathway when it was not triggered by an appropriate agonist. Down-regulation of PKC activity by long term 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) treatment (24 h) diminished, but did not abolish, the effect of SP on VIP-stimulated cAMP production. Staurosporine and dopamine inhibited the potentiating effect of SP on cAMP accumulation. TPA, which translocates PKC alpha, beta, and delta in lactotrophs, had a synergistic effect on cAMP formation induced by VIP, but did also, unlike SP, display cAMP rising abilities when cells were not exposed to VIP and forskolin. Discharging intracellular Ca2+ by thapsigargin pretreatment had no effect on the basal cAMP concentration or the VIP-induced cAMP response, whereas exposure of cells to SP, thapsigargin, and VIP resulted in a decrease of the cAMP response compared with SP + VIP. The potentiating effect of SP on the VIP response could also be inhibited, but not blocked, by staurosporine. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that there exists substantial cross-talk between the cAMP/PKA and PKC/Ins(1,4,5)P3 messenger systems in lactotroph-enriched cell cultures. Key effectors seem to be PKA, one or more of PKC alpha, beta, deleta and Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ stores.

Substance P increases intracellular Ca2+ in individual rat pituitary lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and gonadotrophs

The present study has investigated transients in the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]i in response to substance P (SP) in single pituitary cells. SP raised [Ca2+]i in three subtypes of pituitary cells: lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and gonadotrophs. In all three cell subtypes the [Ca2+]i response to SP was amplitude-modulated and a concentration of 100 nM was necessary to elicit well pronounced two phased [Ca2+]i transients. The first phase was associated with increased generation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) in all three cell types. In lactotrophs, the second phase, but not the first, was blunted by depletion of extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+ free EGTA incubation buffer) and by addition of dopamine (1 microM). In somatotrophs, the second phase of the SP-induced [Ca2+]i response was inhibited by depletion of extracellular Ca2+ and by addition of somatostatin (100 nM), while the first phase was unaffected by this treatment. In gonadotrophs, the second phase, but not the first, was inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blocker methoxyverapamil and depletion of extracellular Ca2+. SP was compared with other agonists having an action on lactotrophs, somatotrophs or gonadotrophs. These experiments demonstrated that SP was a weaker agonist in terms of maximal [Ca2+]i response than thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (in lactotrophs), growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (in somatotrophs) and GnRH (in gonadotrophs). On the basis of these results it is concluded that SP exerts direct Ca2+ mobilizing effects in single lactotrophs, somatotrophs, and gonadotrophs derived from male peripubertal rats. The first phase in SP-induced [Ca2+]i transients is likely to be brought about by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores while the second phase reflects an influx of calcium through voltage-gated calcium channels.

The effects of pregnancy and parturition on the levels of substance P-like immunoreactivity in different areas of the hypothalamus

1. The concentrations of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI) have been measured in the rostral and caudal areas of the hypothalamus of male rats and of virgin, pregnant and puerperal female rats. 2. The rostral:caudal ratio of SPLI is similar in males and virgin females, but diminishes in pregnancy and decreases further during the puerperium. In the pre-optic area, the SPLI concentration fell significantly during parturition, from 241.8 to 177.2 pmols/g wet weight (P < 0.05), and in the medio-basal hypothalamus, the concentration rose during pregnancy and parturition, from 87.4 to 145.5 pmols/g wet weight (P < 0.001). 3. The results are discussed in relation to the endocrine and nociceptive aspects of pregnancy and parturition.

Tachykinins induce secretion of prolactin from perifused rat anterior pituitary cells by interactions with two different binding sites

Substance P and the two other mammalian tachykinins, neurokinin A and B, are accepted to have direct regulating effects at the anterior pituitary level. We have examined the effects of substance P (SP) and neurokinin B (NKB), alone and in combination, on prolactin release from cultured anterior pituitary cells grown on collagen-coated micro beads and placed in a perfusion system. Prolactin (Prl) secretion was observed within 25 s after exposure to either secretagogue and reached a maximum within 60-80 s. Furthermore, the prolactin response induced by SP and NKB was dose-dependent. Prl secretion remained constant for up to 4 h when SP or NKB were perifused and then fell gradually towards basal levels. Simultaneous addition of submaximal concentrations of SP and NKB resulted in an additive response compared with the responses of either secretagogue alone. Continuous (8 h) perifusion with SP did not prevent a normal prolactin response by NKB or TRH. These results indicate that the tachykinins, substance P and neurokinin B, release Prl from perifused female rat anterior pituitary cells by interaction with two different receptors, possibly the NK1 and NK3 tachykinin receptor subtypes.

Opioid and tachykinin neuropeptides in prolactin-secreting human pituitary adenomas

Two opioid neuropeptides, methionine enkephalin (ME) and beta-endorphin (BE), and one tachykinin neuropeptide, substance P (SP), were quantified in 10 prolactin (PRL)-secreting human pituitary adenomas and in 10 control human pituitaries. Immunohistochemical techniques provided appropriate staining for PRL. Reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to purify these three neuropeptides before their analysis, radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used for the quantification of SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI), and liquid secondary-ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS) was used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ME and a tryptic peptide of BE. This study shows that, for 90% of the cases studied here (excluding one hypothyroidism case), the tachykinin A neuropeptide SP-LI level is decreased, the POMC peptide BE level is not altered, and the proenkephalin A neuropeptide ME level is increased in these PRL-secreting tumors.

Chronic administration of neurokinin SP improves maze performance in aged Rattus norvegicus

Deficits in associative functions seen with senescence may be based, at least in part, on a decreased availability of trophic factors in the CNS. A reduced concentration of neurokinins, including undecapeptide substance P (SP), also accompanies aging. Thus, given the change in SP metabolism and the known mnemogenic as well as neurotrophic/neuroprotective effects of the peptide, it seems possible that age-related deficits in associative processes could be influenced by treatment with exogenous SP. In the present study, 30-month-old Wistar rats were injected daily with SP (50 or 250 micrograms/kg, intraperitoneally) starting 1 week before they were tested on the Morris water maze task and on motor coordination tests. Control groups included vehicle-injected old and adult (3-month-old) rats. Over the days of maze testing, application of the substances was performed 5 h after testing daily for 15 days and after the last drug delivery, maze testing was continued for 4 more days. The main finding of this study is that chronic administration of both dosages of SP (50 and 250 micrograms/kg) improved the maze performance of the old rats. This facilitatory effect of SP on performance was also evident after the drug treatment had been terminated in the course of maze testing. Furthermore, chronic application of SP in a dose range of 50-250 micrograms/kg was found to reduce age-related deficits in motor capacities.

The distribution of tachykinin binding sites in the brain of an electric fish (Apteronotus leptorhynchus)

We mapped the distribution of tachykinin binding sites utilizing quantitative autoradiography of iodinated substance P and eledoisin as prototypic ligands for neurokinin-1 (NK1) and neurokinin-3 (NK3) receptors, respectively. The two ligands produced highly heterogenous and quantitatively different patterns of specific binding, suggesting that they revealed different tachykinin receptor subtypes. Although [125I]substance P and [125I]eledoisin binding were correlated in most brain regions, the binding of substance P was usually denser. [125I]substance P binding and substance P-like immunoreactivity were reasonably correlated in most brain areas, although discrepancies were found in some nuclei. Dense [125I]substance P binding was found in most areas of the subpallium and in parts of the pallium related to the olfactory system, as well as in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb. Moderate to dense binding of both ligands was observed in preoptic area, hypothalamus, habenula, parts of the thalamus and preglomerular complex. Especially noteworthy was the presence of [125I] substance P binding in the diencephalic prepacemaker nucleus, a region involved in the control of electroncommuncatory behavior. Substance P-like immunoreactivity is sexually dimorphic in certain diencephalic nuclei, including the prepacemaker nucleus (Weld and Maler, 1992); no obvious difference was seen between [125I]substance P or [125I]eledoisin binding in the brains of male versus female fish. In the mesencephalon striking laminar patterns of binding were seen in the torus semicircularis dorsalis and the optic tectum. Dense binding was also noted in the raphé nuclei, the locus ceruleus and the sensory nucleus of the vagus. Although binding of substance P in the electrosensory lateral line lobe and nucleus preeminentialis was light, it was distributed in a discrete fashion, suggesting a role of substance P in electrosensory processing.

Alpha-1 adrenoceptor subtypes in canine aorta

The present study was designed to demonstrate the existence in canine aorta of alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes, alpha 1High and alpha 1Low, that have different binding affinities for 3H-prazosin and to assess the binding affinity of several drugs for each subtype by a displacement experiment. A radioligand binding assay with 3H-prazosin revealed the presence of two alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes in the canine aorta. One of them which has a high affinity for prazosin was designated as alpha 1High (Kd: 12.40 pM, Bmax: 21.88 fmol/mg protein), and the other type was designated as alpha 1Low (Kd: 506.03 pM, Bmax: 88.22 fmol/mg protein). The pKi values of several drugs for each subtype were determined, and all drugs used in the present study, except for benoxathian and chlorethylclonidine, showed significant differences between the pKi values for alpha 1High and those for alpha 1Low. Although it is difficult to characterize each alpha 1High and alpha 1Low into alpha 1A or alpha 1B by only the displacement potency, one structural characteristic to distinguish between alpha 1High and alpha 1Low could be evaluated.

Neurokinin A in the anterior pituitary of female rats: effects of ovariectomy and estradiol

The effect of acute and chronic ovariectomy and the substitutive treatment with 17-beta estradiol and/or progesterone on anterior pituitary levels of neurokinin A (NKA) was studied in female rats. Acute ovariectomy did not result in significant changes of NKA in the anterior pituitary gland as compared with the levels in diestrous intact rats, but a single injection of 5 micrograms of estradiol in ovariectomized rats significantly decreased NKA levels in the anterior pituitary gland. Progesterone was without effect and did not modify the decrease of NKA in the anterior pituitary gland induced by estradiol. In rats examined 11 to 17 days after ovariectomy, NKA in the anterior pituitary gland was significantly higher than in diestrous intact rats. In the hypothalamus, ovariectomy resulted in decreased levels of NKA in the median eminence-arcuate nucleus. Estradiol significantly reduced NKA stores in the anterior pituitary gland but increased them in the whole hypothalamus and in the median eminence-arcuate nucleus. Thus, estradiol seems to be a powerful regulator of NKA stores in the adenohypophysis and also in the hypothalamus.

Chronic pain induces a paradoxical increase in growth hormone secretion without affecting other hormones related to acute stress in the rat

In several diseases chronic pain is associated with long-lasting pathophysiological responses which differ strongly from those observed in acute situations. When persisting, acute pain often results in physical and psychological stress which may in turn aggravate the initial pathological state. In the present work we examined the secretory patterns of pituitary hormones related to acute stress (growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and beta-endorphin (beta-END)) in rats during the phase of Freund adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA, a model used for chronic pain studies) when chronic pain is maximum (14 and 21 days, postinoculation (PI)). Using radio-immunoassay hormones were measured in plasma samples taken every 30 min for 7 h in free-moving rats 14 and 21 days after Freund adjuvant or vehicle injection and in control animals. The total amount of GH secretion was higher at 14 and 21 days PI in AIA rats as compared to vehicle-treated and control animals, and the pulsatility of GH secretory pattern was not modified by AIA. PRL and beta-END secretion were not significantly different in arthritic rats as compared to controls. These results show that GH, PRL and beta-END responses induced by acute stress are not observed during the AIA phase when chronic pain is maximum. Thus, in our experimental conditions, beta-END and PRL do not seem to be good plasma markers of chronic pain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Substance P variations in the hypothalamus of golden hamsters at different stages of the estrous cycle

The changes in substance P concentrations in the hypothalamus of female golden hamsters were studied at the different stages of the estrous cycle. Substance P levels in the hypothalamus of hamsters were highest during estrus and lowest during diestrus I and proestrus. The concentrations of substance P during diestrus II were not significantly different from those observed during estrus. These results show that substance P levels in the hypothalamus of female hamsters undergo significant changes during the estrous cycle.

Effects of neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate and castration on neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary of rats

The effects of neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and castration on hypothalamic and anterior pituitary levels of neurokinin A (NKA) were studied in male and female rats killed at 46 days of age. In male rats treated neonatally with MSG, body, anterior pituitary, testis, ventral prostate, and seminal vesicle weights and serum testosterone levels were significantly lower than in saline-injected controls. Hypothalamic NKA was significantly lower in MSG-treated male rats as compared with the controls, and no apparent changes were recorded in anterior pituitary NKA. Orchidectomy was followed by a significant decrease in hypothalamic NKA in saline controls, but not in MSG-treated rats. In female rats treated with MSG, there was a significant decrease in body, anterior pituitary, and ovarian weights, as compared with saline-injected controls, but no significant differences were observed in uterine weights and serum estradiol levels. Hypothalamic NKA was lower, although not significantly, in MSG-treated rats as compared with the respective controls, and no differences were recorded in anterior pituitary NKA levels. Ovariectomy was followed by a significant decrease in hypothalamic NKA in both MSG-treated and control rats, but NKA in the anterior pituitary was significantly increased after ovariectomy only in saline-treated controls, whereas MSG-treated females failed to show this response. It is concluded that neonatal MSG treatment resulted in a decrease of hypothalamic NKA, which was particularly pronounced in male rats without any significant change in anterior pituitary NKA levels. The response of hypothalamic NKA to castration and the response of anterior pituitary NKA to ovariectomy were also altered in MSG-treated rats; this may reflect a functional block of some neuroendocrine functions of the hypothalamus that resulted from the neuronal lesions induced by MSG.

Distribution of substance P-immunoreactive elements in the preoptic area and the hypothalamus of the rat

The localization and morphology of neurons, processes, and neuronal groups in the rat preoptic area and hypothalamus containing substance P-like immunoreactivity were studied with a highly selective antiserum raised against synthetic substance P. The antiserum was thoroughly characterized by immunoblotting; only substance P was recognized by the antiserum. Absorption of the antiserum with synthetic substance P abolished immunostaining while addition of other hypothalamic neuropeptides had no effect on the immunostaining. The specificity of the observed immunohistochemical staining pattern was further confirmed with a monoclonal substance P antiserum. The distribution of substance P immunoreactive perikarya was investigated in colchicine-treated animals, whereas the distribution of immunoreactive nerve fibers and terminals was described in brains from untreated animals. In colchicine-treated rats, immunoreactive cells were reliably detected throughout the preoptic area and the hypothalamus. In the preoptic region, labeled cells were found in the anteroventral periventricular and the anteroventral preoptic nuclei and the medial and lateral preoptic areas. Within the hypothalamus, immunoreactive cells were found in the suprachiasmatic, paraventricular, supraoptic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, supramammillary, and premammillary nuclei, the retrochiasmatic, medial hypothalamic, and lateral hypothalamic areas, and the tuber cinereum. The immunoreactive cell groups were usually continuous with adjacent cell groups. Because of the highly variable effect of the colchicine treatment, it was not possible to determine the actual number of immunoreactive cells. Mean soma size varied considerably from one cell group to another. Cells in the magnocellular subnuclei of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei were among the largest, with a diameter of about 25 microns, while cells in the supramammillary and suprachiasmatic nuclei were among the smallest, with a diameter of about 12 microns. Immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in all areas of the preoptic area and the hypothalamus. The morphology, size, density, and number of terminals varied considerably from region to region. Thus, some areas contained single immunoreactive fibers, while others were innervated with such a density that individual nerve fibers were hardly discernible. During the last decade, knowledge about neural organization of rodent hypothalamic areas and mammalian tachykinin biochemistry has increased substantially. In the light of these new insights, the present study gives comprehensive morphological evidence that substance P may be centrally involved in a wide variety of hypothalamic functions. Among these could be sexual behavior, pituitary hormone release, and water homeostasis.

Possible role of neurokinin a in the control of prolactin secretion in rats and hamsters

Abstract The possible role of neurokinin A (NKA) in the control of prolactin secretion was studied in vivo, by injecting anti-NKA serum to ovariectomized rats treated with estrogens and to proestrous rats and hamsters. Injections of an anti-NKA serum to ovariectomized rats treated with two doses of 80 mug 17ss-estradiol 24 h apart, or treated chronically with estradiol implants induced a significant decrease of serum prolactin levels as compared with those of similarly treated rats injected with normal rabbit serum. In proestrous rats, the anti-NKA serum did not modify the afternoon surge of prolactin or luteinizing hormone, but when the antiserum was injected the day before, on diestrus II, it significantly reduced the prolactin surge during the afternoon of proestrus. As in these results obtained in the rat, injections of anti-NKA serum to golden hamsters on diestrus II also significantly decreased the prolactin surge in the afternoon of proestrus. These results suggest a possible physiological role of NKA on prolactin secretion, exerting a stimulatory influence on the release of this hormone.

Sexually dimorphic distribution of substance P in specific anterior pituitary cell populations

Substance P (SP) immunoreactivity is detectable in the rat pituitary by RIA; however, immunolocalization has been difficult. We used a sensitive immunogold silver-enhancement staining technique to cytochemically locate SP in the gland. SP-immunoreactive (SP-ir) cells were seen in anterior pituitary (AP), and occasional SP-ir fibers and terminals were seen in both AP and posterior pituitary. Colocalization studies showed the vast majority of SP-ir cells in the male AP to be also immunoreactive for growth hormone (GH). These GH/SP-ir cells represent approximately 23% of the somatotroph population in the male. SP-ir cells did not colocalize with lactotrophs, gonadotrophs, or corticotrophs; however, rare thyroid-stimulating hormone/SP-ir cells were found in the male AP. Comparisons of pituitaries from males and females revealed that females have 70% fewer SP-ir cells and that only approximately 6% of the somatotrophs in the female express SP. This sexual dimorphism is diminished in 6-day ovariectomized rats because this treatment increases the GH/SP-ir cell population 3-fold. This result suggests that the previously reported estrogen-induced decrease in SP gene and peptide expression in the pituitary occurs, at least in part, in a subpopulation of somatotrophs. To test this hypothesis, distribution of SP-ir cells was examined in pituitaries from estrogen- and oil-treated ovariectomized rats. Estrogen reduced the percentage of somatotrophs with SP immunoreactivity by 70% compared with ovariectomized oil-treated controls, indicating that estrogen most likely regulates SP levels in the pituitary by acting on a subpopulation of somatotrophs to suppress SP expression. Estrogen does not appear to alter SP immunoreactivity that is detected in the additional population of SP cells that colocalize with thyroid-stimulating hormone. These SP-expressing thyrotrophs were seen 6-fold more frequently in the female than in the male pituitary, regardless of steroid status. These studies reveal that males have more total SP-ir cells in the AP than do females and that there is a sexually dimorphic pattern of SP distribution in the gland. Males have a higher percentage of SP-ir GH cells, whereas females have more SP-ir thyrotrophs than do males. Identification of independently regulated SP-ir somatotroph and thyrotroph populations provides a basis for investigating the roles of SP in autocrine or paracrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion.

Ethanol-related changes in substance P in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary

The effect of the administration of a rabbit anti-substance P serum (ASPS) was studied in rats receiving an acute injection of ethanol. ASPS lowered serum prolactin levels and reduced the hyperprolactinemia induced by ethanol. ASPS also decreased LH serum levels in both saline- and ethanol-treated rats. The effect of ethanol on the concentration of substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) in the mediobasal hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland was also investigated. Ethanol reduced SP-LI in the mediobasal hypothalamus but increased it in the anterior pituitary gland. The presence of ethanol (50 mM) did not affect the K(+)-evoked release of SP-LI from either mediobasal hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland, though it increased the SP-LI concentration remaining in this gland. These results indicate that ethanol increases the content of SP-LI in the anterior pituitary gland and suggest that substance P may be involved in the prolactin release induced by the acute administration of ethanol.

Neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus of rats and mice: effects of castration, gonadal steroids and expression of heterologous growth hormone genes

Neurokinin A is a decapeptide with pharmacological activities and localizations similar to those of substance P. In this report we describe the effects of castration and administration of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, on neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus of male rats. The effects of estradiol and testosterone on hypothalamic neurokinin A were also examined in normal mice and in transgenic mice carrying the genes for human or bovine growth hormone (hGH, bGH, respectively). Either acute or prolonged castration was followed by a decrease of neurokinin A concentrations in the hypothalamus of male rats. The substitutive administration of testosterone propionate or estradiol benzoate for 14 days resulted in an increase of hypothalamic neurokinin A levels above the values found in intact animals. A lower dose of testosterone propionate or dihydrotestosterone also increased hypothalamic neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus of castrated rats. In normal intact male mice a single injection of estradiol benzoate significantly increased hypothalamic neurokinin A levels. A similar effect was observed in transgenic mice carrying the bGH gene with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) promoter, while mice carrying the hGH gene failed to show any response to estradiol. In castrated male mice, either normal or transgenic, carrying the bGH gene with metallothionein promoter, a single injection of testosterone propionate significantly increased neurokinin A levels in the hypothalamus. It is concluded that sex steroids may regulate the levels of neurokinin A in the hypothalamus of rats and mice.

Substance P affects the GABAergic system in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis

In the present work we examined the effect of the neutralization of endogenous substance P by the administration of an anti-substance P serum (ASPS) on GABA concentration in the anterior pituitary in hyperprolactinemic conditions induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan or by grafting anterior pituitaries. ASPS reduced the increase in the anterior pituitary GABA concentration induced by hyperprolactinemia. In vitro experiments showed that substance P inhibited K(+)-evoked GABA efflux from hypothalamic fragments and decreased GABA concentration in the anterior pituitary but ASPS increased it. Our results demonstrate that substance P modifies hypothalamic GABA release and anterior pituitary GABA concentration and suggest that an interaction exists between substance P and GABA.

Substance P and related tachykinins induce receptor-mediated hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides in the rat anterior pituitary

In the present study characterization of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-specific phospholipase C (PIP2-PLC) activity and receptor-mediated hydrolysis of PIP2 in rat anterior pituitary membranes were investigated. Incubation of the membrane fraction of anterior pituitary homogenate with [3H]inositol-labeled PIP2 in the presence of calcium increased the concentration of the water-soluble degradation product inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in a time-dependent manner. PIP2-PLC in the rat anterior pituitary had a pH optimum at 5.5 and a requirement for cations. Ca2+ and Mg2+ could activate the enzyme. Activity was maximal at a total magnesium concentration of 1 mM and at a free Ca2+ concentration of 100 microM. The addition of the detergent Triton X-100 (0.05% w/v) to the membrane fraction resulted in a 50% decrease of PIP2-PLC activity, whereas the presence of sodium deoxycholate (1 mg/ml) in the membrane fraction increased the PIP2-PLC activity by 100%. The tachykinins substance P, 8-Tyr-substance P, physalaemin, neurokinin A, eledoisin, kassinin and neurokinin B induced receptor-mediated breakdown of [3H]inositol-labeled PIP2 in the membrane fraction in a concentration-dependent manner, but with different potencies. The tachykinins displayed the following rank order of potencies: substance P greater than 8-Tyr-substance P greater than physalaemin greater than neurokinin A greater than eledoisin greater than kassinin greater than neurokinin B, which is consistent with the involvement of a NK-1 receptor. Combined treatment of anterior pituitary membranes by substance P and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) resulted in an additional increase in PIP2-PLC activity compared to stimulation with TRH alone.

An electron microscopic study on substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis in the dog

The pars distalis of the adenohypophysis has recently been proved to be innervated by substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the monkey and the dog. The present study investigated immuno-electron microscopically the morphology of these nerve fibers and their relationship to anterior pituitary gland cells in the dog. The nerve fibers were unmyelinated and varicose. Direct contacts between them and every cell type of the gland could be ascertained, including folliculostellate cells. Typical synapses were identified on somatotropes and corticotropes. Most of them were of asymmetrical type with round to oval small clear vesicles and scattered large dense-cored vesicles. Occasional symmetrical type synapses were also seen. The results imply that substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers have an effector role in the pars distalis of the dog.

Relationship of Substance P-lmmunoreactive Nerve Fibers with Somatotropes of the Anterior Pituitary in the Monkey

Abstract In a previous study, substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers were demonstrated in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary in the monkey. The present work investigated their relationship with somatotropes. Pituitaries of Macaca mulatta monkeys were frozen, sectioned and double immunostained with antisera against substance P and human growth hormone. Substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers, with many varicosities, were found in close proximity to somatotropes. It is suggested that a direct neural factor may be involved in the regulation of growth hormone secretion.

Role of substance P in suppressing growth hormone release in the rat

To evaluate a possible physiological role of endogenous substance P (SP) in the control of growth hormone (GH; somatotropin) secretion, a specific antiserum against SP (anti-SP) was injected intraventricularly (3 microliters into the third cerebral ventricle) in unanesthetized unrestrained normal male rats. Control rats received an equivalent volume of normal rabbit serum (NRS). Intraventricular injection of the NRS lowered plasma GH concentrations significantly. The lowering was detected on first measurement at 10 min after injection and was maximal at 30 min. This was followed by a return toward the initial levels. Third ventricular injection of antiserum significantly increased plasma GH in comparison with control animals injected with NRS. The effect was observed within 10-20 min, and levels remained elevated for the 120-min duration of the experiment. To confirm the possible inhibitory role of endogenous SP on GH release, 3 microliters of 0.9% NaCl (saline) alone or saline containing a specific antagonist of SP, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, was injected into the third ventricle of normal male rats. The antagonist also increased plasma GH significantly (P less than 0.005) within 5 min compared with values in the saline-injected control group. Levels remained elevated for 30 min but had returned toward control values 60 min after injection. In contrast, synthetic SP significantly decreased plasma GH when injected intravenously or intraventricularly compared with plasma GH in the control saline-injected group. To investigate a possible direct action of SP on GH release from the anterior pituitary gland, we incubated synthetic SP with dispersed anterior pituitary cells for 1 hr. The release of GH from incubated anterior pituitary cells was not affected at any dose of SP (10(-9) to 10(-6) M) tested. These data strongly indicate that endogenous SP has a physiological inhibitory role in the control of GH secretion at the level of the hypothalamus in the male rat.

Binding and internalization of a iodinated substance P analog by cultured anterior pituitary cells

Substance P binding to cultured anterior pituitary cells was characterized using Bolton-Hunter iodinated substance P as a ligand. At 0 degrees C, the interaction of the ligand and the cellular surface binding sites was found to be specific, rapid and reversible. Scatchard and Hill analysis of specific binding revealed a single class of non-interacting binding sites with a high affinity (KD = 0.48 nM) and a moderate density of binding sites (Bmax = 1187 binding sites/cell). At 37 degrees C a NaOH-soluble intracellular ligand pool was observed in addition to a surface-bound ligand pool released by a low pH buffer. Thus, substance P seems to be internalized after binding to cellular surface binding sites by means of receptor-mediated endocytosis. The internalization was rapid and could be blocked by colchicine (20 microM), an inhibitor of microtubuli assembly. Following internalization, intracellular degradation of the ligand could be demonstrated. Leupeptin (100 microM), an inhibitor of certain lysosomal enzymes could inhibit the cellular degradation of the added ligand, but had only a moderate influence on internalization. These results demonstrate that substance P after binding to a surface-localized receptor on its pituitary target cells is internalized and subsequently degraded by lysosomal enzymes.

Substance P-like immunoreactive neurons in the arcuate nucleus project to the median eminence in rat

Substance P-containing nerve fibers in the median eminence of rat arise in cells located in the arcuate nucleus. Two days following surgical lesioning of the median eminence immunoreactive substance P accumulated in neuronal perikarya in the middle part (rostrocaudally) of the arcuate nucleus, mainly in its ventromedial portion. Substance P-immunostained cells appeared nowhere else in the hypothalamus following surgical lesion of the median eminence while they were found in several hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic cell groups after colchicine treatment.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of close relationships between neuropeptidergic nerve fibers and hormone-producing cell types in the adenohypophysis of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Light microscopic double immunocytochemical stainings, performed on sea bass hypothalamo-hypophysial sections, revealed the projection of different neuropeptide-immunoreactive neurons innervating the hormone-producing cell populations in the pituitary gland. In the rostral pars distalis (PD) the ACTH cells were found in close proximity to fibers immunoreactive for somatostatin (SRIF), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GRF), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRF), vasotocin (VT), isotocin (IT), substance P (SP), neurotensin, and galanin (GAL), while the PRL cell zone seemed only innervated by nerve fibers immunopositive for GAL. In the proximal PD, fibers immunoreactive for SRIF, GRF, VT, IT, cholecystokinin, SP, neuropeptide Y, and GAL formed a close relationship with the growth hormone cells. The gonadotrophs were observed near nerve fibers immunostained for gonadotropin-releasing hormone, IT, and less obviously GRF and VT, while fibers positive for GRF, CRF, VT, IT, SP, and GAL penetrated between and formed a close association with the thyrotrophs. In the pars intermedia the MSH cells and the PAS-positive (PAS+) cells seemed both innervated by separate nerve fibers immunoreactive for GRF, CRF, melanin concentrating hormone, VT, IT, and SP. All these results suggest a functional role of the neuropeptides in the adenohypophysis of the sea bass, possibly in the synthesis and/or release of hypophysial hormones from the different cell types.

Substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis of macaque monkeys

A substantial number of substance P-like immunoreactive nerve fibers were found in the anterior pituitary of macaque monkeys. Most of them were thin fibers with abundant varicosities, which were often in close proximity to the glandular cells. They were found only in the median part of the gland and were distributed chiefly in its dorso-posterior region.

Effect of passive immunization against substance P in rats with hyperprolactinemia

Substance P, an undecapeptide isolated from gut and brain tissues, was reported to stimulate prolactin release. It was suggested that substance P may play a role in the control of prolactin secretion. In this investigation we studied the effects of the blockade of endogenous substance P by the administration of a specific anti-substance P serum on serum prolactin levels in rats in the evening of proestrus, in lactating rats after suckling, and in male rats with hyperprolactinemia induced by grafting 2 anterior pituitary glands under the kidney capsule. The injection of the anti-substance P serum was followed by a significant decrease of the prolactin surge induced by 30 min suckling in lactating rats, when the antiserum was administered 24 hr but not 5.30 hr earlier. Anti-substance P serum also induced a significant decrease in serum prolactin levels in pituitary grafted rats, but induced no change in the proestrous surge of prolactin and LH. These results show that substance P may be involved in the release of prolactin induced by suckling and that this peptide may have an intrapituitary role in the process of prolactin release. On the other hand, substance P does not seem to play a significant role in the proestrous peak of prolactin and LH.

Estrogen concentration by substance P-immunoreactive neurons in the medial basal hypothalamus of the female rat

We used the combined technique of steroid autoradiography and immunohistochemistry to simultaneously visualize estrogen-concentrating and substance P-immunoreactive (sP-IR) cells. A substantial proportion (26.1%) of sP-IR cells that bound estrogen was found in the anterior two thirds of the arcuate nucleus with a rapidly diminishing number of cases (8.7%) in the posterior extent of this nucleus. Highest proportions (42.9%) of sP-IR cells retaining estrogen were found in the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. The ventral premammillary nucleus was observed to have both populations but coexistence was comparatively infrequent (2.4%). Occasional cases of coexistence were also found in the lateral hypothalamic area. These results provide anatomical evidence that a subset of sP-IR neurons are directly regulated by estrogen and support the hypothesis that sP-containing cells participate in the transduction of hormonal information into a CNS circuitry that regulates gonadotropin secretion and sexual behavior.

Coexistence of substance P and neurotensin-like peptides in single neurons of the rat hypothalamus

The coexistence of substance P with neurotensin-like immunoreactivity in certain neurons of the hypothalamus were demonstrated by the double immunofluorescence method. Substance P and neurotensin-like immunoreactivity coexisted within single neurons of some hypothalamic areas such as the medial preoptic area, perifornical area, anterior hypothalamic area, lateral hypothalamic area, periventricular nucleus and posterior hypothalamic nucleus, although they did not coexist in the majority of immunoreactive cells.

Coexistence of substance P- and enkephalin-like peptides in single neurons of the rat hypothalamus

The distribution of substance P- and enkephalin-like immunoreactivity in single cells were examined by the double immunofluorescence method. Substance P- and leucine-enkephalin-like compounds coexisted within individual neurons of some hypothalamic areas such as the medial preoptic area, anterior hypothalamic area, perifornical area, lateral hypothalamic area, premammillary nuclei and posterior hypothalamic nucleus, although they did not coexist in the majority of immunoreactive cells.

Effect of an anti-substance P serum on prolactin and gonadotropins in hyperprolactinemic rats

The effects of the acute injection of a rabbit anti-substance P serum (ASPS) were studied in normal rats and rats with hyperprolactinemia induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan and estradiol given as a short or chronic treatment. The anti-substance P serum decreased the release of prolactin induced by 5-hydroxytryptophan when this serotonin precursor was injected 24 h, but not 1 h, after the administration of the antiserum. ASPS reduced the hyperprolactinemia induced by short and chronic treatment with estradiol in castrated rats. This effect was observed 24 h after the injection of the antiserum. On the other hand, the injection of ASPS induced a significant decrease in LH levels in serum of intact male rats injected with 5-hydroxytryptophan 24 h after ASPS, and in castrated rats treated with short-term and chronic administration of estradiol, 24 h after the injection of the antiserum. These results suggest that substance P may have a role in the control of prolactin secretion and could play a part in the hyperprolactinemic effects of estradiol. On the other hand, substance P, under certain circumstances, may stimulate LH release.

A substance P-containing hypothalamic neuronal system projects to the median eminence

Immunoreactive substance P (SPi) was measured in the various hypothalamic structures and amygdala one week after placing a cut around the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH). SPi content decreased in the stalk-median eminence (SME), anterior and posterior parts of the arcuate nucleus (inside the isolated region) as well as in the paraventricular nucleus (outside the cut), while there was no change in the posteromedial amygdaloid nucleus. We suggest that there is a tuberoinfundibular neuronal system containing SPi with cell bodies in the MBH and terminals in the SME. In addition, nerve fibers containing SPi from outside the MBH may reach both the SME and the arcuate nucleus and might influence neuroendocrine regulation.

Substance P in the human brain

The distribution of substance P immunoreactive sites was investigated by immunoenzymatic methods in a large series of paraffin embedded human brain sections from the collection assembled by Oscar and Cécile Vogt several decades ago, as well as from more recent post-mortem material. These studies demonstrated that substance P immunoreactivity was preserved in archival material permitting a detailed account of the localization of immunoreactive cell bodies, fibre networks and tracts in the human brain. Previous observations made on experimental animals and man were confirmed and extended. Additionally, substance P immunoreactive cell bodies were seen in most cortical areas and novel features were noted in the distribution of substance P-containing elements in the tuberal region, corpus striatum, substantia nigra (particularly in relationship to blood vessels) and in association with melanin-containing cells. Reconstruction of some substance P pathways was attempted by the analysis of semi-serial sections in more than one plane. Immunocytochemistry, in combination with image analysis, enabled some measurements of the differential concentrations of substance P immunoreactive material to be made and allowed a close correlation of this with defined anatomical landmarks or enkephalin immunoreactive sites.

Central effects of an antagonist and an antiserum to substance P on serum gonadotropin and prolactin secretion

The central effects of both an antagonist and an antiserum to substance P (SP) on gonadotropin and prolactin (Prl) secretion were studied in castrated male rats. The lateral ventricular injection (20 micrograms) of an analogue to SP possessing antagonistic properties resulted in significantly suppressed serum LH levels without altering serum FSH and Prl levels when compared with saline-injected control animals. Similarly, the lateral ventricular injection of an antiserum to SP also resulted in significantly suppressed LH levels when compared to control animals injected with normal rabbit serum. Additionally, no changes were observed in the levels of serum FSH and Prl as a result of the anti-SP injection. Thus, although indirect, these results support the hypothesis that SP may have a central stimulatory action on LH secretion, but not FSH and Prl secretion.

Effects of MET-ENK, substance P and SRIF on the behavior of Hemichromis bimaculatus

Administration of 10 and 30 micrograms methionine-enkephalin (MET-ENK)/g bw (n = 10/dose) affected the propensity towards fighting in H. bimaculatus; 10 micrograms increased, while 30 micrograms decreased the aggressive behavior. MET-ENK also affected a number of behavior patterns displayed by the fish. Moreover, the "wet-dog-shakes" observed suggest that MET-ENK acts on opiate-receptors. Treatment with substance P (SP)/g bw (n = 10/dose) induced chafing movements in the fish slightly. It also decreased fighting and increased biting of the air stone, which is evidence that H. bimaculatus is still aggressive, directing its attacks to different objects. When 4, 8, 12 micrograms somatostatin (SRIF)/g bw (n = 10/dose) were injected, H. bimaculatus stopped fighting for several hours after the onset of treatment, depending on the dosage. Somatostatin reduces blood glucose concentration, causing a sudden stop of aggressive behavior, 0.04, 0.1, 0.6, 1.0 and 3.0 IU prolactin (PRL)/g bw (n = 5/dose) eventually decreased fighting and affected a number of behavior patterns displayed by the fish.

Hypothalamic substance P-containing neurons. Sex-dependent topographical differences and ultrastructural transformations associated with stages of the estrous cycle

Immunoreactive substance P (ir SP)-containing neurons were examined in rat hypothalamus. In untreated males, few if any ir perikarya were found in the arcuate nucleus, but after intraventricular colchicine administration, many appeared not only in the arcuate nucleus but also in the premammillary region, posterior hypothalamic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, subthalamic and paraventricular nuclei, and zona incerta. This was also the case in females treated with colchicine on the second day of diestrus. In untreated females, perikarya were seen only in the arcuate nucleus, varying in number and ultrastructure during the estrous cycle and being maximal in number in proestrus and estrus. The perikarya possessed well-developed Golgi bodies and lamellar bodies composed of many closely apposed cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum in proestrus, and showed stacks of two or three cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum as well as lysosomes in estrus. In diestrus, the perikarya had only a few granulated vesicles and fragmental cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. In the perikarya of colchicine-treated males, many granulated vesicles and lysosomal bodies were noted. These findings suggest that, among the widely distributed SP neurons in the hypothalamus, some in the arcuate nucleus are involved in the hypothalamic-hypophysial-gonadal axis.

Immunoreactive substance P in the tubero-hypophyseal system of the rat: selective decrease in the neural lobe after dehydration and sodium loading

In the tubero-hypophyseal system of the rat the approximate concentrations of immunoreactive substance P (I-SP), expressed as fmol/mg tissue, were 100 in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), 20 in the anterior lobe (AL), 20 in the neural lobe (NL) and 4 in the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis. These values were not altered by treatment with capsaicin on day 2 after birth. In rats in which the secretion of neurohormones from the NL was increased by dehydration followed by sodium loading there was a fall by 70% in the I-SP concentration of the NL; no change occurred in the AL or the MBH.