Activation of supraoptic magnocellular neurons by gamma 2-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma 2-MSH).
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.
Mitchell
L D
LD
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Callahan
M F
MF
Wilkin
L D
LD
Gruber
K A
KA
Johnson
A K
AK
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*
D009074:Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones