Differential effect of fluorinated analogs of TRH on the cardiovascular system and prolactin release

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and the TRH-analogs, 4-fluoro-Im-TRH (4-F-TRH) and 2-trifluoromethyl-Im-TRH (2-TFM-TRH), on the cardiovascular system and prolactin (PRL) release were examined in conscious rats. TRH (2.8 or 28 nmol) injected into the anterior hypothalamus produced dose-dependent increments in blood pressure and heart rate; plasma PRL was increased twofold after the higher dose of TRH. 4-F-TRH had effects similar to these of TRH on both the cardiovascular and PRL response. In contrast, the 2-TFM-TRH was significantly less active than TRH or 4-F-TRH in eliciting tachycardia, yet was noticeably more potent in affecting PRL release. These data suggest that the receptors for TRH-induced PRL release may be different from TRH-receptors which mediate central cardiovascular responses.