Development of the pituitary research in terms of regulation of its function in the amphibian as a model

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We have demonstrated that in amphibians, mammalian homologue of corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) is the major factor that enhances the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) from the pituitary. This prompted us to determine the role of some other hypothalamic factors in terms of regulation of the release of pituitary hormones, focusing on their activities and receptors. Thus, we concluded that arginine vasotocin is the major factor that stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), and that thyrotropin. releasing hormone does not act as a TSH-releasing factor but as a prolactin-releasing factor. The discrepancy in the role of hypothalamic factors between amphibians and mammals is discussed in relation to metamorphosis and thermoregulation.