Multipotent lipotropic hormones. In search of a pituitary cell producing multipotent LPH.

The affinity for antiserum to the multipotent lipotropic hormone (beta-LPH) was tested by immunohistochemical staining of all known cell types in normal and certain abnormal mouse, rat, and human pituitaries. Results indicate that beta-LPH has ACTH, MSH, LH and StH(GH) immunologically cross-reacting determinants. Affinities of anti-LPH for TtH and MtH (prolactin) were not detected in normal pituitaries, but thyrotropic tumor cells reacted with anti-LPH. Absorption experiments confirm that the single polypeptide hormone of the pituitary, beta-LPH, is coded for ACTH and MSH activities. The multi-functional hormone, LPH probably is secreted by the adrenotropes. In addition to ACTH and MSH, it probably contains other antigenic and biologic determinants. Some of these may accentuate its lipotropic activities; others may be incidental. These are points calling for further correlated structural, biologic, and immunologic investigations.