title: Melanocortins as factors in somatic neuromuscular growth and regrowth.
abstract: Melanocortins, non-corticotropic fragments of adrenocorticotropic hormone, accelerate growth of the developing neuromuscular system and regrowth of damaged neurons, both in the adult and neonatal rat. Morphological, electrophysiological and behavioral characteristics are all improved by melanocortins, which, however, vary in potency, with alpha-MSH being the most effective. Tissue substrate, dosage, critical time periods and pattern of neuropeptide administration are all important variables. Melanocortins protect central neurons affecting motor behavior during development or following neuronal damage in the adult brain. Possible mechanisms of melanocortin action are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Biology Department, New York University, NY 10003.
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Strand
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Alves
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Antonawich
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kume
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Zuccarelli
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D024510:Muscle Development; D009132:Muscles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000294:innervation*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D009465:Neuromuscular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000187:drug effects; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D018043:Receptors, Corticotropin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
chemical_list: D009465:Neuromuscular Agents; D018043:Receptors, Corticotropin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone