Influence of fasting, glucose and insulin on the levels of growth hormone and prolactin in the plasma of the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

The concentrations of both GH and prolactin in the circulation of the domestic fowl have been determined after various treatments known to affect carbohydrate metabolism. Fasting decreased the level of glucose, stimulated the secretion of GH and inhibited the secretion of prolactin. Administration of insulin significantly depressed the level of GH in the plasma of normal or fasted birds and also in chickens which had received simultaneous injections of glucose or 2-deoxy-D-glucose. No consistent effect of insulin on the secretion of prolactin was observed. Hyperglycaemia subsequent to administration of glucose had no effect on the levels of either GH or prolactin. Glucagon-induced hyperglycaemia suppressed the level of GH in the plasma and stimulated that of prolactin.