Estradiol-induced adenohypophyseal growth reaction and beta-adrenergic receptors.

The effect of administration of estradiol benzoate on beta-adrenergic receptors of rat adenohypophyseal cells was studied. Twenty days' administration of estradiol benzoate was followed by an increase of adenohypophyseal weight and a decrease in specific binding of 3H-dihydroalprenolol (3H-DHA). In contrast to thyroid hormone treatment which induced an increase in 3H-DHA binding, thyroid hormone treatment decreased both the growth reaction and the reaction of beta-adrenergic receptors after estradiol. Although the relationship between the adenohypophyseal receptors and the growth reaction is unclear, changes in beta-adrenergic receptors after hormonal therapy can be one of pathophysiological conditions that may influence this reaction.