title: Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone reduces putative stress-induced sickness behaviors in isolated guinea pig pups.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, 335 Fawcett Hall, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA. pas_webb@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Schiml-Webb
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Deak
authors.forename: Tess M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Greenlee
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maken
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Hennessy
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones; D000521:alpha-MSH