Prolactin in cerebrospinal fluid increases the synthesis and release of hypothalamic γ-aminobutyric acid

The effect of intracerebroventricularly (i.v.t.)-injected rat prolactin (2 micrograms/rat) on the function of tuberoinfundibular gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurones was assessed in adult male rats by measuring the activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and the concentrations of GABA in hypophysial portal plasma and in the anterior pituitary gland. Fourteen hours after i.v.t. injection of rat prolactin the activity of GAD in the MBH was significantly (P less than 0.05) increased and it remained elevated for at least 16 h after injection. The mean concentrations of GABA in hypophysial portal plasma and in the anterior pituitary were twice those found in vehicle-treated controls 16 h after administration of rat prolactin; no significant effects were observed at earlier time-periods. A significant (P less than 0.01) and long-lasting decrease in endogenous plasma prolactin concentrations was detected 2 h after the i.v.t. injection of rat prolactin and the concentrations remained suppressed for up to 16 h. The present results are consistent with the concept that the activity of tuberoinfundibular GABAergic neurones is regulated, at least in part, by circulating prolactin. The ability of prolactin to accelerate the synthesis and release of GABA in the MBH might constitute a short loop feedback system by which the hormone regulates its own secretion.