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Central and peripheral actions of alpha-MSH in the thermoregulation of rats

M Villar1, N Perassi, M E Celis

  • 1Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.

Peptides
|November 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) did not affect normal rat body temperature. However, alpha-MSH effectively reduced fever when administered centrally or peripherally in rats with Salmonella-induced pyrogen.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Physiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Thermoregulation is a critical physiological process.
  • Fever is a regulated increase in body temperature.
  • Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a peptide hormone with diverse biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of alpha-MSH in thermoregulation in rats.
  • To determine if alpha-MSH exhibits antipyretic properties.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were administered alpha-MSH centrally (intracerebroventricularly) or peripherally (intraperitoneally).
  • Body temperature was monitored at room temperature.
  • Fever was induced using pyrogen derived from Salmonella typhi.

Main Results:

  • Alpha-MSH alone did not alter normal body temperature in rats.
  • Central or peripheral administration of alpha-MSH significantly reduced fever in pyrogen-treated rats.
  • This indicates a potent antipyretic effect of alpha-MSH.

Conclusions:

  • Alpha-MSH plays a significant role in modulating fever responses.
  • The peptide acts as a potent antipyretic agent, reducing elevated body temperature.
  • These findings suggest potential therapeutic applications for alpha-MSH in managing fever.

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