V. Milosevic et al., Morphometric and functional changes of female rat pituitary somatotropes after central application of somatostatin, ACT VET BEO, 50(2-3), 2000, pp. 93-101
This study examined the effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) admin
istered somatostatin (SRIH-14 or SRIH-28) on growth and function of pituita
ry somatotropes (GH cells). Female rats were subjected to intracerebroventr
icular administration of three Ig doses of SRIH-14 or SRIH-28 every second
day. Blood samples were collected for hormone analyses and pituitaries were
removed for histological and morphometric evaluation, five days after the
last injection. Compared to control animals, SRIH treatment decreased (p<0.
05) ail morphometric measurements obtained for GH cells. The concentration
of serum growth hormone (GH) in SRIH-14- or SRIH-28-treated groups was lowe
r (p<0.05) by 69% and by 61% respectively, in comparison to control rats. T
hese findings suggest that centrally administered somatostatin is specifica
lly involved in the control of growth and secretory activity of GH cells. T
hus, pharmacological manipulation of SRIH receptors reached from cerebrospi
nal fluid may alter the systemic effects of GH.