Key result
Central atrial natriuretic factor infusion inhibits prolactin secretion via dopamine receptor signaling in rats.
Why the study?
The mechanism by which atrial natriuretic factor inhibits prolactin secretion was unclear, particularly the role of dopaminergic systems.
Atrial natriuretic factor inhibits prolactin secretion centrally via an interaction with endogenous dopaminergic systems in the hypothalamus.
Hypothesis-generating for central ANF-dopamine control of prolactin; leaves open any human neuroendocrine relevance.
Infusion of 2 nmol atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) into the third cerebroventricle of conscious, orchidectomized male rats results in a significant inhibition of prolactin (PRL) secretion. This effect is prevented by prior treatment with the dopamine receptor antagonist, domperidone. Furthermore, domperidone reverses the inhibitory effect when given after ANF infusion. The PRL-inhibiting effect is absent as well following inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. These results suggest that ANF acts centrally at least in part via an interaction with endogenous dopaminergic systems and further suggests potent neuromodulatory actions of the peptide within the hypothalamus.
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Samson et al. (2008) studied this question. Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) was evaluated on Prolactin (PRL) secretion. Infusion of atrial natriuretic factor into the third cerebroventricle of male rats significantly inhibited prolactin secretion, an effect prevented by dopamine receptor antagonism.
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