Abstract
Pituitary DNA synthesis and serum and pituitary concentrations of prolactin were measured in male rats given the dopamine antagonist haloperidol or pimozide, and the dopamine agonist bromocriptine. Increased DNA synthesis was observed 24 h after a single injection of haloperidol and on each day of the 5-day period of pimozide administration. Haloperidol and pimozide increased serum prolactin levels. Pituitary prolactin concentrations fell 12 h after haloperidol, recovering by 24 h, and 24 and 48 h after pimozide, recovering by 72 h. Bromocriptine lowered pituitary DNA synthesis and serum prolactin levels and induced a transient rise in pituitary prolactin concentrations. The results indicate that dopamine agonists and antagonists modulate DNA synthesis in the pituitary gland of the rat.

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