Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone reduces putative stress-induced sickness behaviors in isolated guinea pig pups.
We have proposed that passive responses observed following maternal separation in guinea pig pups represent "stress-induced sickness behaviors" mediated by proinflammatory processes. In this study, the anti-inflammatory peptide, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) administered intracerebroventricularly, but not intraperitoneally, reduced the passive responses of crouching, eye-closing, and extensive piloerection relative to levels following administration of vehicle. These findings support our hypothesis and are as would be expected if pro-inflammatory processes act centrally to promote the passive behaviors of separated guinea pig pups.
Schiml-Webb
Patricia A
PA
Department of Psychology, 335 Fawcett Hall, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. pas_webb@hotmail.com
Deak
Terrence
T
Greenlee
Tess M
TM
Maken
Deborah
D
Hennessy
Michael B
MB
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006728:Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008426:Maternal Deprivation; D010863:Piloerection / Q000187:drug effects; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012803:Sick Role; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014828:Vocalization, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D006728:Hormones; D000521:alpha-MSH