Involvement of D1 dopamine receptors in the control of TSH secretion in the male rat

The effects of SCH 23390 (D1 dopamine receptor antagonist), SK&F 38393 (D1 dopamine receptor agonist), raclopride and remoxipride (D2 dopamine receptor antagonists) and ketanserin (5-hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor antagonist) on TSH serum levels (radioimmunoassay) and on brain catecholamine levels (Falck-Hillarp methodology in combination with quantitative histofluorimetry) were studied. SCH 23390 produced a dose-dependent increase in serum TSH levels in the lower dose range (0.01-0.03 mg kg-1, i.p.) administered 30 min before decapitation and in the higher dose range (1.0-3.0 mg kg-1) when given 2 h before decapitation. Following 30 min of treatment with the high doses of SCH 23390, reductions in serum TSH levels were found. The changes observed following SCH 23390 treatment occurred without affecting catecholamine levels in the median eminence and the peri- and paraventricular hypothalamic regions. Raclopride (0.1-10 mg kg-1, i.p.), remoxipride (1.0 mg kg-1, i.p.) or ketanserin (0.3 mg kg-1, i.p.) changed neither serum TSH levels nor brain catecholamine levels, SK&F 38393 (1.0-10 mg kg-1, i.p.) produced an increase in serum TSH levels. The results suggest the existence of inhibitory and facilitatory mechanisms regulating TSH secretion mediated via D1 dopamine receptors.