Effects of POMC-derived peptides on aldosterone secretion in vivo

1. To investigate a role for peptides derived from the precursor molecule pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) on the control of aldosterone secretion (ASR), alpha-, beta-, gamma 1-, and gamma 2-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP) or beta-endorphin were infused into the adrenal arterial supply of sheep with an adrenal cervical autotransplant. 2. None of the peptides had any significant effect on aldosterone secretion rate in Na replete, unstressed, conscious animals. In contrast, ACTH-stimulated ASR approximately twofold. 3. POMC-derived peptides other than ACTH appear to have little or no effect on the short-term control of aldosterone secretion in vivo, although a role in control and modulation of adrenal function over the longer term cannot be discounted.