Modulation of host defense by the neuropeptide alpha-MSH.
alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a peptide that occurs within the brain, the circulation, and other body sites, is a potent antipyretic agent when given centrally or peripherally. The peptide likewise inhibits inflammation and aspects of the acute-phase response. The combined evidence suggests that alpha-MSH molecules act as natural modulators of host reactions by antagonizing the central and peripheral actions of cytokines.
Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
J M
JM
Lipton
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D005334:Fever / Q000503:physiopathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation
D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones