Effect of hypophysectomy on alpha-melanotropin in discrete regions of the rat brain.
The effect of hypophysectomy on alpha-melanotropin (alpha MSH) concentrations in discrete brain regions was investigated. Hypophysectomy resulted in a 38-69% decrease in alpha MSH concentration in alpha MSH terminal regions 4 weeks after surgery. In contrast, the alpha MSH concentration in the arcuate nucleus, site of alpha MSH containing perikary, was unaffected by hypophysectomy. These results indicate that the brain alpha MSH system is distinct from, but related to that of the pituitary.
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D007016:Hypophysectomy; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D013787:Thalamic Nuclei / Q000032:analysis
D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones