A Simple Multichannel Perifusion Apparatus of Rat Adenohypophysis and Growth Hormone and Prolactin Responses to Partially Purified Bovine Hypothalamic Extracts

Summary

A simple multichannel peri-fusion apparatus for rat adenohypophysis was developed using 2.5-ml disposable syringes as incubation chambers. After placing one or two pituitaries in each chamber, the pituitaries were perifused at a rate of 50-75 μ1/min with KRBG which was gassed with a 95% O₂-5% CO₂ mixture.

The BHE fractions used were collected following Sephadex G-25 gel filtration of bovine hypothalamic extracts. When the pituitaries were perifused for intervals of 20 or 40 min with the BHE fractions, the peak responses of GH and PRL were always achieved within 20 min after initiation of perifusion. The peak values and the amounts of GH and PRL stimulated by BHE were dose related. Both parameters of GH and PRL decreased with repeated pulses of the same dose of BHE.

We are indebted to the NIAMDD Rat Pituitary Hormone Program for supplying rat GH and PRL radioimmunoassay kits. We thank Miss Yoshiko Teraoka for her expert technical assistance.