Release of immunoreactive TRH in serum-free cultures of mouse hypothalamic cells

Abstract Serum-free cultures of mouse hypothalamic cells were used as a model for studying TRH (thyroliberin) secretion in vitro. Supplementation of the culture medium with triiodothyronine, corticosterone and polyunsaturated fatty acids is necessary to obtain a substantial release capacity of TRH neurons. Under these conditions depolarization of the cells with 60 mM K + results in a calcium-dependent release of immunoreactive TRH.