β-Endorphin Concentrations in Pituitary and Brain Areas of Animals Bearing Pituitary Hormone Secreting Tumors

Summary

β-endorphin-like immunoreactivity was measured in the pituitary and brain areas of rats and mice bearing tumors which secrete different pituitary hormones.

The DCCXLIII^d tumor secretes both luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, and the AtT20 tumor secretes corticotropin, β-lipotropin and β-endorphin. β-endorphin concentrations in the pituitary and brain areas of rats or mice bearing these tumors are similar to those present in the respective controls, but for a decrease in the hindbrain of AtT20 tumor bearing mice. We conclude that peripheral concentrations of gonadotropins, corticotropins, β-lipotropin and β-endorphin do not affect the pituitary and brain concentrations of β-endorphin.

Key-Words:

Beta Endorphin - Gonadotropins - ACTH - Beta-Lipotropin - Endocrine Tumors