Enzyme activation of human prolactin: a potential basis for a bioassay.

Small cultures of human amniotic cells were preincubated for 24 h. Human prolactin was then added to the medium. After a further short period of incubation the tubes were chilled, the medium removed and the cells rinsed with saline. The tubes then received cold Tris-sucrose and were frozen, to disrupt the cells. After thawing, adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (PNPase) were measured. Buffer was added containing either ATP or PNP and the tubes were incubated for 30 min. Inorganic phosphate released from ATP and p-nitrophenol was measured spectrophotometrically. Prolactin stimulated both enzyme activities. The ATPase log dose-response curve was linear between approximately 12.5 and 200 mIU/l. It was inhibited by ouabain. Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine inhibited the ATPase but not the alkaline phosphatase activity. One of these human amniotic cell enzymes may provide the basis for a sensitive bioassay for human prolactin.