Effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its metabolites, Cyclo(His-Pro) and TRH-OH, on growth hormone and prolactin synthesis in primary cultured pituitary cells of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio.

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its metabolites, cyclo(His-Pro) and TRH-OH, on growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) synthesis were investigated using primary cultured pituitary cells of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio. The effects of these pep tides on GH and PRL were compared to those of human GH-releasing hormone (hGHRH) and somatostatin (somatotropin-releasing inhibiting factor; SRIF). GH and PRL synthesis were determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]leucine into GH and PRL. TRH stimulated the release of newly synthesized GH and PRL, but not thyroid-stimulating hormone. In addition, TRH stimulated a dose-related increase in the release of newly synthesized GH and PRL at 10(-9) to 10(-7) M. Cyclo(His-Pro) stimulated the release of newly synthesized GH dose- dependently. TRH, cyclo(His-Pro), and hGHRH stimulated GH synthesis, while SRIF inhibited this at 10(-7) M. The release of newly synthesized PRL into culture medium was also stimulated by TRH and hGHRH, but inhibited by SRIF. PRL synthesis was not affected by TRH-OH and cyclo(His-Pro). Intracellular contents of GH and PRL in the pituitary did not change significantly. The present study demonstrates that TRH plays an important role in both GH and PRL synthesis and release. This is the first report in which the effects of cyclo(His-Pro) on GH synthesis in teleosts are demonstrated. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.