Kumari M, Heffner LJ. The effects of L-arginine on the release of prolactin from decidual explants in vitro.
Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;
182:497-502. [PMID:
10739497 DOI:
10.1067/mob.2000.103250]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to elucidate a role for the L -arginine-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in the control of decidual prolactin release in vitro.
STUDY DESIGN
In decidua obtained from normal vaginal deliveries, we examined the effects of L -arginine; a stable analog of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate; and two nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, L -nitro arginine methyl ester (L -NAME) and L -nitro monomethyl arginine (L -NMMA) on the release of prolactin from decidual tissue in vitro.
RESULTS
L -arginine, at 100 micromol/L, produced an increase in medium prolactin concentration after a 2-hour exposure; however, its inactive isomer, D -arginine, at the same concentration, did not. The increase in prolactin release initiated by L -arginine was sustained after a 24-hour incubation. In addition, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (10 micromol/L) stimulated prolactin release. At 2 hours, the effects of L -arginine were reversed by L -NAME (100 micromol/L), which by itself was without effect. Incubation of tissue with L -NAME for 24 hours inhibited prolactin secretion (24 hours; P <.05, vs control); however, L -NMMA was without effect.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the L -arginine-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway is involved in the regulation of prolactin secretion by decidual tissue.
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