title: Activation of supraoptic magnocellular neurons by gamma 2-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma 2-MSH).
abstract: The effects of intracarotid infusions of the peptide gamma 2-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma 2-MSH) on electrophysiologically and immunohistochemically identified supraoptic nucleus (SON) units were investigated. Over a wide dose range this agent always excited SON units, while control infusions of vehicle had no effect. Because neural responses invariably preceded blood pressure elevation, it appears that gamma 2-MSH excitation of the magnocellular system was due to a direct effect on the central nervous system and was not a result of systemic cardiovascular responses. These results suggest a forebrain gamma 2-MSH sensitive site in the activation of SON magnocellular neurons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Callahan
authors.forename: L D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Wilkin
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gruber
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013495:Supraoptic Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones