The behavioral syndrome induced by adreno corticotropic hormone in rats is prevented by Ca++ channel blockade.
The most typical signs (stretchings, yawnings, penile erections, excessive grooming) of the behavioral syndrome induced in rats by the intracerebroventricular administration of ACTH- (1-24) (4 micrograms/rat) were dose-dependently antagonized by the intraperitoneal injection of the selective Ca++ channel inhibitor, nicardipine (dose range: 0.1-1 mg/kg). These data suggest that the influx of Ca++ into target neurons is a step of key importance for the occurrence of ACTH-induced behavioral signs, and that Ca++ may play the role of second intracellular messenger for the behavioral effects of melanocortins.
Poggioli
R
R
Istituto di Farmacologia, Università di Modena, Italy.
Rasori
E
E
Bertolini
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D003366:Cosyntropin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D009529:Nicardipine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D003366:Cosyntropin; D009529:Nicardipine; D002118:Calcium