Repeated central administration of alpha-MSH does not alter the antipyretic effect of alpha-MSH in young and aged rabbits.
alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a potent antipyretic when administered centrally or peripherally; however, there are no previous data on development of tolerance to the antipyretic action of this neuropeptide. In previous research, aged rabbits were more sensitive to low doses of alpha-MSH than young rabbits. We tested the antipyretic action of alpha-MSH in young and old rabbits after twice daily injections of the peptide for 10 days. Neither aged nor younger rabbits showed altered responses to alpha-MSH. This lack of tolerance underscores the importance of alpha-MSH to physiological control and survival of the host.
Deeter
L B
LB
Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas 75235-9040.
Martin
L W
LW
Lipton
J M
JM
D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits; D012016:Reference Values; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007375:Interleukin-1; D000521:alpha-MSH