Central action of melanostatin (MIF-1) in mice

The effects of MIF-1 administered into a lateral ventricle of the brain were studied on the behaviour of mice in the open field test and hole test, apomorphine-induced stereotypy, morphine-induced catalepsy, and reactivity on thermal painful stimuli in the hot plate test. The last test was compared with a similar test with morphine administration. It was demonstrated that MIF-1 exerted a depressing effect on the behaviour of mice, increased the intensity of apomorphine-induced stereotypy and weakened chlorpromazine-induced catalepsy. Moreover, an analgesic action of MIF-1 was demonstrated which was blocked with naloxone. The results of these investigations indicated a significant central action of MIF-1 in mice and a participation of dopaminergic receptors in certain effects of MIF-1 on the behaviour of experimental animals.