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Published on: May 22, 2019
Alpha-MSH decreases core and brain temperature during global cerebral ischemia in rats
Stefan Spulber1, Mihai Moldovan, Mircea Oprica
1Division of Experimental Geriatrics, Neurotec Department, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, 4th floor, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden. Stefan.Spulber@neurotec.ki.se
Abstract:
A key pathological event during cerebral ischemia is the excitotoxic release of glutamate. We have shown previously that alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) enhances the hypothermia induced by kainic acid. We have investigated the effects of systemic administration of alpha-MSH on four-vessel occlusion forebrain ischemia on core temperature (CT) and brain temperature (BT), respectively. After 10 min cerebral ischemia, BT was lower in alpha-MSH- than in saline-injected animals. After 10 min reperfusion, both CT and BT were lower than the corresponding pre-ischemic levels after injection of alpha-MSH. alpha-MSH did not influence CT or BT in sham-operated rats. The alpha-MSH-induced hypothermia and its potentiation of reduction in BT during global cerebral ischemia, may contribute to neuroprotective effects of alpha-MSH.
Insights
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) reduces brain and core body temperature during cerebral ischemia in rats. This hypothermia may offer neuroprotection against ischemic brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Glutamate excitotoxicity is a key pathological event in cerebral ischemia.
- Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has previously been shown to enhance kainic acid-induced hypothermia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alpha-MSH on core temperature (CT) and brain temperature (BT) during four-vessel occlusion forebrain ischemia.
- To determine if alpha-MSH influences temperature regulation in sham-operated rats.
Main Methods:
- Systemic administration of alpha-MSH or saline in a rat model of global cerebral ischemia (four-vessel occlusion).
- Monitoring of core body temperature (CT) and brain temperature (BT) before, during, and after ischemia and reperfusion.
- Comparison of temperature changes between alpha-MSH-treated and saline-treated groups, as well as sham-operated controls.
Main Results:
- Following 10 minutes of cerebral ischemia, brain temperature (BT) was significantly lower in alpha-MSH-injected rats compared to saline-injected controls.
- After 10 minutes of reperfusion, both core temperature (CT) and brain temperature (BT) remained lower than pre-ischemic levels in alpha-MSH-treated rats.
- Alpha-MSH did not affect CT or BT in sham-operated rats, indicating its effect is specific to ischemic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Systemic administration of alpha-MSH induces hypothermia during global cerebral ischemia in rats.
- The alpha-MSH-induced reduction in brain temperature during ischemia may contribute to its potential neuroprotective effects.
- Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of alpha-MSH in mitigating ischemic brain damage.
