Stimulation of Prolactin Release by the Bicarbonate Ion 1

Abstract

Summary

The bicarbonate ion was found to stimulate the in vitro release of RIA-PRL and [³H]PRL. Dopamine, as usual, inhibited the in vitro release of prolactin; however, the effects of the catecholamine were less evident at high molar concentrations of bicarbonate than at lower ones. Sodium ascorbate addition to high bicarbonate concentration increased the effectiveness of dopamine to inhibit prolactin. Ergocryptine decreased greatly the in vitro release of prolactin, and varying the bicarbonate concentration had no effect on this phenomenon. The results suggest that bicarbonate may interact with dopamine in regulating the physiological release of prolactin.