The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a key component of neuroimmunomodulation.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a key component of neuroimmunomodulation.

Neuroimmunomodulation. 1994 Mar-Apr;1(2):93-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/96053018
Catania A; Lipton JM; First Medical Clinic, University of Milan, Italy.

Abstract: Recent research indicates that the proopiomelanocortin derivative alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a significant modulator of host reactions including fever and inflammation. Although the precise mechanism of action is still unknown, cytokine antagonism is believed to be responsible for at least a part of its anti-inflammatory/antipyretic influence: alpha-MSH antagonizes pyrogenic and proinflammatory effects of cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferon gamma (IFN gamma). Although it is clear that the peptide can act within the brain to inhibit fever and peripheral inflammation, an anti-inflammatory effect on a peripheral target was evidenced in animals with transection of the spinal cord. Recent data show that alpha-MSH is significant also in human disorders such as AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and myocardial infarction. This molecule is believed to be a key factor in neuroimmunomodulation and it may be useful as a therapeutic agent in control of inflammatory reactions.

Keywords: alpha-MSH/*PHYSIOLOGY/THERAPEUTIC USE Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/BLOOD/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Amino Acid Sequence Animal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/THERAPEUTIC USE Arthritis/BLOOD/DRUG THERAPY/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Female Fever/DRUG THERAPY/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Human Inflammation/DRUG THERAPY/*PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Mice Mice, Inbred BALB C Molecular Sequence Data Myocardial Infarction/BLOOD/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Neuroimmunomodulation/*PHYSIOLOGY Pulmonary Edema/DRUG THERAPY/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Rabbits Rats Shock, Septic/BLOOD/DRUG THERAPY/PHYSIOPATHOLOGY Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
960330
M9630741

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