Modulation of luteinizing hormone receptors: effect of an inhibitor of prolactin secretion, p-coumaric acid.

Daily oral administration of p-coumaric acid (PCA) at a dose of 50 mg/kg body wt for 21 days to adult male mice caused a dramatic reduction in serum prolactin concentrations. A significant fall in testicular LH binding was also observed after PCA treatment. Complete recovery of testicular LH binding was obtained by daily administration of prolactin (500 micrograms/mouse) when given simultaneously from day 9 of PCA treatment. A lower daily dose of prolactin (250 micrograms) was found to be ineffective. Scatchard analysis of binding data suggested a decrease in the number of testicular LH binding sites after PCA treatment whereas the affinity constant was unchanged. These results provide direct evidence for an inhibitory effect of PCA on prolactin secretion and also provide additional evidence in favour of a role of prolactin in the modulation of LH receptors.