Estrogen control of prolactin synthesis in vitro.

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Abstract
Primary cultures of rat pituitary cells respond to estradiol 17.beta. by increased incorporation of radiolabeled precursors into prolactin but not into the bulk of other cellular proteins. The rate of increase in prolactin synthesis is dose dependent, reaching maximal levels in the physiological range of estradiol. At a concentration of 1 nM, estradiol, diethylstilbestrol and estriol are stimulatory whereas androgens, progesterone and corticosterone are without significant effect. Exposure of pituitary cells to 10 nM estradiol resulted in a 500% increase in prolactin synthesis after 7 days of culture. Estradiol can stimulate prolactin synthesis through direct action on the pituitary.