THE EFFECT OF b-GLUCAN ON PROLACTIN SECRETION IN GH3/B6 CELLS

It is well known that several plant extracts have a lactogenic effect. This response may be induced through the stimulation of prolactin release from lactotrope cells. A partial purification of the active compound indicated that it is rich in pectin and b-glucan. These materials stimulate secretion of prolactin from hypophyseal fragments. In the present study, the effect of b-Glucan on the secretion of prolactin from GH3/B6 pituitary tumor cells has been investigated. These cells are good tools for studying the direct effect of b-glucan on prolactin secretion. The different concentrations of b-glucan (50, 100 and 200 µg/ml) increased secretion of prolactin within 24 hours of incubation in GH3/B6 media. Moreover, the secretion of prolactin was significantly elicited at 100 and 200 µg/ml of b-glucan incubation after 48 hours. These results suggest that b-glucan can affect the synthesis and/or release of prolactin, a hormone that plays many important physiological roles from GH3/B6 pituitary tumor cells.