In vivo and in vitro effects of prolactin and growth hormone on lipid metabolism in a teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch).

Prolactin (PRL) has an important role in the regulation of water and electrolyte homeostasis in teleosts. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of PRL and GH on malic enzyme (ME), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) in Anabas testudineus. Ovine prolactin significantly inhibited ME, G6PDH and ICDH activities when administered in vivo compared to vehicle treated controls. In vivo administration of PRL reversed the action of bromocryptine on enzyme activities. Ovine growth hormone in vivo also modified the effect of bromocryptine but not to the level of prolactin. Combined action of PRL+GH in vivo was most effective in keeping the enzyme activities at normal level after bromocryptine treatment. Prolactin in vitro also reversed the action of bromocryptine on enzyme activities, while GH in vitro failed to do so. Hence, prolactin seems to have an inhibitory effect on lipid metabolism in this teleost. Combined action of PRL+GH is more prominent in in vivo conditions at low PRL levels. Dopaminergic pathways may be involved in the control of prolactin and to some extent on growth hormone secretion.