[Immunoreactive luliberin in the visceral organs of rats].

The distribution of luliberin (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, LH-RH) was studied. LH-RH-like factor showing analogous immunochemical and chromatographic properties was detected in the liver, kidneys, duodenum, pancreas, adrenal glands and heart of rats. The concentration of immunoreactive LH-RH in the liver, kidneys, duodenum, pancreas and adrenal glands was nearly equal (5 to 7 pg per mg of methanol extract obtained from acetic acid extract of acetone powder), its concentration in the heart being somewhat lower (2 pg per mg of extract). Only minute amounts of this factor were present in blood cells. Immunoreactive LH-RH found in visceral organs may be of hypothalamic origin or may be synthesized in these organs (in situ).