The ultrastructure, catecholamine, and prolactin contents of the rostral pars distalis of the fish Mugil platanus after reserpine or 6-hydroxydopamine administration.

The rostral pars distalis (RPD) of the teleost Mugil plantanus from animals pretreated with reserpine or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HODA) were assayed for dopamine (DA) or noradrenaline (NA) or for prolactin hormone. Such determinations were coupled with electron microscopy. It was found that reserpine and 6-HODA produced a significant decrease in the content of DA, NA, and prolactin. Electron microscope studies revealed that prolactin cells became activated as judged by ultrastructural criteria. After 6-HODA treatment type "B" neurosecretory fibers entering the RPD became selectively destroyed. These observations lead us to suggest that prolactin secretion is under inhibitory control by type "B" neurosecretory fibers of adrenergic nature.