D-Trp-6-Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Inhibits Hyperprolactinemia in Female Rats*

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Abstract
The effect of a potent agonistic LHRH analog D-Trp-6-LHRH on the hyperprolactinemia induced by haloperidol was tested in intact and ovariectomized female rats. The administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH at 2 dose levels (5 and 50 .mu.g/day) for 20 days blocked the increase in serum PRL [prolactin] induced by haloperidol in intact as well as ovariectomized rats. The pituitary PRL concentration was also decreased by the administration of the analog in intact, but not ovariectomized rats. Serum LH [luteinizing hormone] levels were significantly increased and the pituitary LH concentration was reduced by D-Trp-6-LHRH in intact rats. In ovariectomized rats, D-Trp-6-LHRH decreased serum as well as pituitary LH levels compared with levels in control rats. Another in vivo model to induce hyperprolactinemia consisted of grafting anterior pituitary glands under the kidney capsule in intact female rats. The administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH for 20 days (50 .mu.g/day, s.c.) to rats bearing pituitary grafts blocked the hyperprolactinemia observed in similar animals injected with the vehicle only. Serum LH levels were increased after the administration of D-Trp-6-LHRH; pituitary LH concentrations were significantly decreased in the rats treated with the analog. Apparently, the LHRH agonist D-Trp-6-LHRH can counteract the hyperprolactinemic effect of haloperidol; this effect is not mediated by suppression of ovarian estrogens. The treatment with the analog blocked the hypersecretion of PRL by pituitary grafts, suggesting a direct effect of the analog on the pituitary gland to modulate PRL secretion.