Sex differences in the pituitary transforming growth factor-β1 system: studies in a model of resistant prolactinomas.

ABSTRACT: Dopamine and estradiol interact in the regulation of lactotroph cell proliferation and prolactin secretion. Ablation of the dopamine D2 receptor gene (Drd2(-/-)) in mice leads to a sexually dimorphic phenotype of hyperprolactinemia and pituitary hyperplasia, which is stronger in females. TGF-β1 is a known inhibitor of lactotroph proliferation. TGF-β1 is regulated by dopamine and estradiol, and it is usually down-regulated in prolactinoma experimental models. To understand the role of TGF-β1 in the gender-specific development of prolactinomas in Drd2(-/-) mice, we compared the expression of different components of the pituitary TGF-β1 system, including active cytokine content, latent TGF-β-binding protein isoforms, and possible local TGF-β1 activators, in males and females in this model. Fu

SUBMITTER: Recouvreux MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3800752 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature