心肌营养素-1在高血压心室重塑中的作用

目的本文利用离体结合在体实验探讨心肌营养素-1(CT-1)在高血压心室重塑中的作用.方法离体实验用160 mm Hg的高静水压刺激原代培养的心肌成纤维细胞,同时用心肌营养素-1的反义寡核苷酸进行干预.分别用MTT法检测心肌成纤维细胞的增殖,放免法检测血管紧张素Ⅱ的浓度,Western blotting检测CT-1蛋白的表达.以L-NAME诱导的一氧化氮缺乏性高血压大鼠作为在体实验模型.用卡托普利进行干预.12周后处死动物,取材观察心肌组织病理变化,检测心肌中血管紧张素Ⅱ及羟脯氨酸的浓度,同时检测心肌中CT-1的表达.结果高静水压能明显促使心肌成纤维细胞增殖,血管紧张素Ⅱ分泌增加,CT-1合成上调(光密度值1.56±0.24 vs 0.95±0.19,P＜0.01),而CT-1的反义寡核苷酸能抑制高静水压诱导的细胞增殖和血管紧张素Ⅱ分泌.而进行在体实验的大鼠给予L-NAME后血压明显升高,心肌组织中血管紧张素Ⅱ和羟脯氨酸分泌增加,CT-1表达上调(光密度值1.79±0.21vs 1.02±0.12,P＜0.01),经卡托普利干预后,与L-NAME组相比,血压明显下降,心肌组织中羟脯氨酸浓度降低,血管紧张素Ⅱ分泌减少,CT-1表达下调(1.12±0.15 vs 1.79±0.21,P＜0.05).结论从在体和离体实验证明CT-1在高血压心室重塑中发挥着重要的调节作用,且这一作用与肾素血管紧张素系统有关.     

心肌营养素-1对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导心肌细胞肥大的影响

目的:研究心肌营养素-1(CT-1)对血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导的心肌细胞肥大的影响。方法:利用AngⅡ刺激心肌细胞,导致细胞肥大,应用CT-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸进行干预。检测心肌细胞大小及3H-亮氨酸掺入率的变化;以逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测CT-1 mRNA及β-肌球蛋白重链(β-MHC)mRNA表达,免疫组织化学法检测心肌细胞CT-1蛋白的表达。结果:经AngⅡ刺激后,在相差显微镜下可见心肌细胞面积变大,3H-亮氨酸掺入率、CT-1蛋白的表达增高;CT-1和β-MHC mRNA水平的表达增加。利用Fugene6可将CT-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸转染入心肌细胞。CT-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸组心肌细胞面积较肥大组明显减小[(81.257±3.995)mm2∶(127.214±5.693)mm2],3H-亮氨酸掺入量[(1653.33±17.91)cpm∶(1971.50±42.16)cpm]及CT-1蛋白[(3.16±0.17)%∶(3.51±0.29)%]明显减少;CT-1[(0.2137±0.0227)∶(0.4023±0.0160)]和β-MHC mRNA[(0.5032±0.0261)∶(0.773 4±0.0486)]表达亦显著减少(P0.05~0.01)。各指标Fugene 6组、错义组与肥大组无明显差异。结论:AngⅡ致心肌细胞肥大过程中伴有CT-1表达增加,应用CT-1反义脱氧寡核苷酸后可使之下降,说明CT-1参与了心肌细胞的肥大机制。     

心肌营养素1对心肌成纤维细胞增殖的作用机制

目的 探讨在高静水压条件下心肌营养素1(CT-1)对成纤维细胞增殖作用机制.方法 3～4代心肌成纤维细胞用于实验,分为对照组、助溶剂(二甲亚砜,DMSO)组、CT-1反义寡核苷酸组(ASODN)、正义寡核苷酸组(SODN)、MEK-EPK阻断剂PD98059组、JAK-STAT3阻断剂AG490组、PI3K阻断剂LY294002.利用自制压力培养装置,将各组细胞置于160 mm Hg压力下培养8 h. STAT3、ERK1/2和PI3-K的活性通过Western blot分析测定;MTT测定心肌成纤维细胞增殖.结果 高静水压明显促进心肌成纤维细胞增殖,CT-1表达上调,CT-1ASODN干预后,CT-1ASODN能抑制高静水压所致的细胞增殖,吸光度值(A值)为(0.132±0.013 vs 0.154±0.011,P＜0.05),STAT3(2.09±0.25 vs 2.47±0.28, P＜0.05)、ERK1/2(1.13±0.19 vs 1.61±0.22, P＜0.05)和PI3-K(1.25±0.23 vs 1.71±0.25,P＜0.05),蛋白表达水平明显低于对照组.AG490组明显减弱高静水压的促增殖作用(0.118±0.018 vs 0.155±0.010,P＜0.05);PD98059增强高静水压的促增殖(0.185±0.011 vs 0.155±0.010,P＜0.05),PI3-K阻断剂LY294002干预后对高静水压的促增殖作用无影响(0.157±0.015 vs 0.155±0.010,P＞0.05);SODN与对照组相比对心肌成纤维细胞增殖无明显影响.结论 高静水压下,可以激活STAT3、ERK1/2、PI3-K信号通路,心肌成纤维细胞增殖主要通过STAT3通路;ERK1/2通路起负向调节作用;PI3-K 与细胞增殖关系不是很密切.     

Id3基因在心肌营养素1促心肌成纤维细胞增殖中的作用

目的 探讨在高静水压条件下分化抑制因子3(inhibitory of differentiation 3,Id3 )基因在心肌营养素-1 (cardiotrophin-1,CT-1 ) 促心肌成纤维细胞增殖中的作用.方法 3～4代心肌成纤维细胞用于实验,分为对照组( C 组)、CT-1反义寡核苷酸组 (ASODN组) 、正义寡核苷酸组 ( SODN组)、高静水压组( P 组).利用自制压力培养装置,将各组细胞置于160 mmHg压力下培养8 h.CT-1活性通过 Western印迹法分析测定,Id3基因表达通过RT-PCR方法测定,MTT测定心肌成纤维细胞增殖 .结果 高静水压明显促进心肌成纤维细胞增殖 ,CT-1表达上调,Id3 mRNA表达增加;CT-1 ASODN干预后能抑制高静水压所致的细胞增殖,CT-1表达下调,Id3 mRNA表达减少.结论 Id3 mRNA在心肌成纤维细胞中有明显表达,且与CT-1促心肌成纤维细胞增殖密切相关.     

卡托普利影响压力负荷性大鼠肥厚心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ1受体和2型受体表达

目的研究卡托普利对压力超负荷性肥厚心肌中血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体与2型受体表达的影响。方法应用成年、健康、雄性大鼠选用腹主动脉缩窄方法,制造压力超负荷动物模型,综合运用心导管技术、免疫生物化学、组织化学、图像分析等技术。观测腹主动脉缩窄大鼠肥厚心肌中血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体与2型受体表达的变化。结果1、腹主动脉缩窄术后大鼠左心室后负荷、心肌肥大指数进行性加重,术后6周时,模型组心室重量达到1310±55mg,而假手术组只有209±9mg,两组相比,差异有非常显著性统计学意义(P<0.01),应用卡托普利干预后心肌肥大指标显著低于模型组。2、腹主动脉缩窄术后6周,心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ升高到1219.5±30.1ng/L,较假手术组(613.0±132.3)高出约两倍,应用卡托普利干预后心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ显著降低。3、腹主动脉缩窄术后第1、3和第6周,模型各组心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体的表达随时间明显上升(P<0.05),模型1周组为(124±32)×103,模型3周组为(233±46)×103,模型6周组为(396±52)×103。而假手术1周组为(77±23)×103,与模型1周组比较,差异具有显著性统计学意义(P<0.05),假手术6周组只有模型6周组的21.5%。应用卡托普利干预后,心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体的表达量回降到(171±41)×103。4.腹主动脉缩窄术后左心室心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体的表达在模型1周组升高到(117±28)×103水平,而假手术1周组仅有(41±12)×103,两者相比,差异具有非常显著性统计学意义(P<0.01)。其他各模型组与假手术组相比,没有统计学差异。腹主动脉缩窄术后卡托普利干预对左心室心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体的表达无明显影响。结论血管紧张素转化酶抑制剂卡托普利防治成年持续压力负荷性心肌肥厚的主要机制是在降低心肌中血管紧张素Ⅱ的同时,还降低了心肌中血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体的表达,从而有效阻止了血管紧张素Ⅱ通过1型受体介导启动的心肌肥厚的机制。卡托普利对心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体的表达无明显影响。     

心舒康对肾性高血压大鼠血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1表达的影响

目的观察心舒康对肾性高血压大鼠血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1表达的影响。方法观察肾性高血压大鼠经心舒康治疗后的收缩压、左心室质量/体质量(LVW/BW)的变化。采用免疫组织化学法检测心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1表达水平的变化。结果经中药复方心舒康治疗6周后,大鼠的收缩压明显降低,LVW/BW明显降低,左心室心肌组织中血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1的表达明显减少。结论心舒康能明显降低血压,能够降低LVW/BW,抑制心肌组织血管紧张素Ⅱ受体1的上调。     

两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素II反应变化及其机制

为了探讨两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应变化及其机制,在制作两肾一夹型高血压大鼠模型血管基础上,观察了两肾一夹型高血压大鼠大、小动脉的形态学改变; 用肠系膜微血管口径显微电视测量法和离体血管环灌流实验分别观察了两肾一夹型高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉和胸主动脉对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应以及洛沙坦对该反应的作用;并用逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测两组动物胸主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体mRNA和2型受体mRNA的表达.结果发现两肾一夹型高血压大鼠胸主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜厚度增加,细胞层数增加,胶原纤维及弹力纤维含量增加;随着血管紧张素Ⅱ的浓度升高,肠系膜动脉、离体胸主动脉环收缩反应增加,而且在每一个血管紧张素Ⅱ浓度,两肾一夹型高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉和离体胸主动脉环对血管紧张素Ⅱ的收缩反应都比对照组增强;洛沙坦完全阻断离体胸主动脉环对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应;两肾一夹型高血压大鼠胸主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体mRNA表达增多,血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体mRNA也有表达,而正常大鼠未见血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体mRNA表达.此结果提示:(1)两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应增强,洛沙坦完全阻断血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应;(2)血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体mRNA表达增多可能是两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应增强的机制之一.     

两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素II反应变化及其机制

为了探讨两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应变化及其机制，在制作两肾一夹型高血压大鼠模型血管基础上，观察了两肾一夹型高血压大鼠大、小动脉的形态学改变；用肠系膜微血管口径显微电视测量法和离体血管环灌流实验分别观察了两肾一夹型高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉和胸主动脉对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应以及洛沙坦对该反应的作用；并用逆转录-聚合酶链反应检测两组动物胸主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体nRNA和2型受体mRNA的表达。结果发现两肾一夹型高血压大鼠胸主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜厚度增加，细胞层数增加，胶原纤维及弹力纤维含量增加；随着血管紧张素Ⅱ的浓度升高，肠系膜动脉、离体胸主动脉环收缩反应增加，而且在每一个血管紧张素Ⅱ浓度，两肾一夹型高血压大鼠肠系膜动脉和离体胸主动脉环对血管紧张素Ⅱ的收缩反应都比对照组增强；洛沙坦完全阻断离体胸主动脉环对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应；两肾一夹型高血压大鼠胸主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体nRNA表达增多，血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体mRNA也有表达，而正常大鼠未见血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体mRNA表达。此结果提示：(1)两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应增强，洛沙坦完全阻断血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应；(2)血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体mRNA表达增多可能是两肾一夹型高血压大鼠重塑血管对血管紧张素Ⅱ的反应增强的机制之一。     

阿托伐他汀对自发性高血压大鼠血压和心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ1型和2型受体表达的影响

目的　观察阿托伐他汀对自发性高血压大鼠血压和心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1和血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2的调节作用。方法　采用免疫组织化学染色法检测心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1和血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2蛋白表达 ,原位杂交法测定心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1和血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2mRNA表达水平。于给药前和给药后每两周测量大鼠尾动脉收缩压 ,并测定血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平。结果　实验前自发性高血压大鼠各组收缩压均显著高于Wistar kyoto大鼠组 (P <0 .0 1)。给药后第 4周和第 6周 ,5 0mg阿托伐他汀组收缩压明显下降 (P <0 .0 1) ,总胆固醇、甘油三酯及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平明显降低 (P <0 .0 5 ,P <0 .0 1) ;自发性高血压大鼠对照组心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1和血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2蛋白阳性表达及其mRNA表达均明显高于Wistar kyoto大鼠组 (P <0 .0 1) ,6周后 ,5 0mg阿托伐他汀组血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1蛋白和其mRNA表达明显降低 (P <0 .0 1) ,而血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2蛋白和其mRNA表达明显高于自发性高血压大鼠对照组 (P <0 .0 1)。结论　阿托伐他汀能降低自发性高血压大鼠的血压 ,并对心肌血管紧张素Ⅱ受体有双重调节作用 ,即使血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 1下调、血管紧张素Ⅱ受体 2上调     

心肌营养素1对心肌成纤维细胞增殖的作用机制

目的探讨在高静水压条件下心肌营养素1(CT-1)对成纤维细胞增殖作用机制。方法3～4代心肌成纤维细胞用于实验,分为对照组、助溶剂(二甲亚砜,DMSO)组、CT-1反义寡核苷酸组(ASODN)、正义寡核苷酸组(SODN)、MEK-EPK阻断剂PD98059组、JAK-STAT3阻断剂AG490组、PI3K阻断剂LY294002。利用自制压力培养装置,将各组细胞置于160mmHg压力下培养8h。STAT3、ERK1/2和PI3-K的活性通过Westernblot分析测定;MTT测定心肌成纤维细胞增殖。结果高静水压明显促进心肌成纤维细胞增殖,CT-1表达上调,CT-1ASODN干预后,CT-1ASODN能抑制高静水压所致的细胞增殖,吸光度值(A值)为(0.132±0.013vs0.154±0.011,P<0.05),STAT3(2.09±0.25vs2.47±0.28,P<0.05)、ERK1/2(1.13±0.19vs1.61±0.22,P<0.05)和PI3-K(1.25±0.23vs1.71±0.25,P<0.05),蛋白表达水平明显低于对照组。AG490组明显减弱高静水压的促增殖作用(0.118±0.018vs0.155±0.010,P<0.05);PD98059增强高静水压的促增殖(0.185±0.011vs0.155±0.010,P<0.05),PI3-K阻断剂LY294002干预后对高静水压的促增殖作用无影响(0.157±0.015vs0.155±0.010,P>0.05);SODN与对照组相比对心肌成纤维细胞增殖无明显影响。结论高静水压下,可以激活STAT3、ERK1/2、PI3-K信号通路,心肌成纤维细胞增殖主要通过STAT3通路;ERK1/2通路起负向调节作用;PI3-K与细胞增殖关系不是很密切。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.