The neuroimmunomodulatory peptide alpha-MSH.
Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a neuroimmunomodulatory peptide of ancient origin, is known to be involved in the control of host responses. In inflammatory cells, in the periphery and within the central nervous system, alpha-MSH modulates the production and action of proinflammatory cytokines. This broad influence occurs via endogenous alpha-MSH (melanocortin) receptors. The key to this anti-inflammatory influence is inhibition of NF-kappa B. Indeed alpha-MSH inhibits activation of this nuclear factor through preservation of I kappa B alpha, which binds to NF-kappa B and prevents its migration to the nucleus. Cells transfected with alpha-MSH plasmid vector are resistant to challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. The peptide also act on central melanocortin receptors to modulate inflammation in the periphery. In brief, alpha-MSH and certain of its fragments such as alpha-MSH [11-13] KPV modulate inflammation via three general actions: direct actions on peripheral host cells; actions on inflammatory cells within the brain to modulate local reactions; and descending neural anti-inflammatory pathways that control inflammation in peripheral tissues.
Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75235, USA.
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Ichiyama
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Sato
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Okada
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Catania
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Lipton
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000276:immunology*
D000521:alpha-MSH