DNA SYNTHESIS AND THE SECRETION OF PROLACTIN AND GROWTH HORMONE BY THE PITUITARY GLAND OF THE MALE RAT: EFFECTS OF DIETHYLSTILBOESTROL AND 2-BROMO-α-ERGOCRYPTINE METHANESULPHONATE

Abstract

SUMMARY The effects of 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine methanesulphonate on the response of the pituitary gland of the male rat to diethylstilboestrol dipropionate were studied by radioimmunoassay of prolactin and growth hormone and measurements of DNA synthesis. Given before diethylstilboestrol, 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine prevented the oestrogen-induced rise in serum prolactin and partly inhibited pituitary DNA synthesis. Given on days 4–6 of a 6-day period after a single dose of diethylstilboestrol, 2-bromo-α-ergocryptine rapidly increased pituitary prolactin concentration, diminished serum prolactin, reduced pituitary DNA synthesis and did not affect the growth hormone response to oestrogen.