Prostaglandin involvement in hypothalamic control of gonadotropin and prolactin release.

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) injected into the third ventricle of ovariectomized rats increased plasma luteinizing hormone dramatically and follicle stimulating hormone slightly. PGE(1) elevated prolactin; PGF(1alpha) or PGF(2alpha) had no effect. PGE(2) or PGE(1) injected directly into the anterior pituitary were ineffective. These results suggest that specific prostaglandins act at the hypothalamus to control pituitary hormone release.