The changes in osmolality and the gene expression profiles of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) with rapid changes in salinity were compared in the eel (Anguilla japonica), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou). Fish stocked in freshwater (FW) were abruptly transferred to experimental tanks containing FW, 50% seawater (50% SW), or 100% SW (SW). Blood samples and pituitary glands were collected 2 and 24 hrs after the exposure. No mortality was observed in SW eel (n=6), whereas all of the crucian carp (n=6) and two masu salmon (n=6) exposed to SW died after land 24 hrs, respectively. The PRL mRNA levels of the eel and masu salmon decreased in 50% SW and SW compared to those of the fish kept in FW after 24 hrs, whereas the PRL levels of crucian carp were higher in 50% SW than in FW. Unlike the PRL mRNA levels, the GH mRNA levels of the eel did not differ significantly among three different salinities, while the GH mRNA levels of crucian carp and masu salmon increased significantly in 50% SW and SW after 24 hrs. The serum osmolalities increased marginally in the eel and masu salmon in 50% SW at 24 hrs (19% and 9%, respectively), whereas those of crucian carp increased abruptly in 50% SW (50% increase). These results suggest that the synthesis of PRL and GH is important in relation to the osmoregulatory system with environmental changes in salinity.