title: Neuroimmunological regulation of α-MSH release in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
abstract: This study describes the effects of IL-1 (interleukin 1) and LPS (bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide) on the release of α-MSH (alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone) from the neurointermediate lobe (NIL) of the teleost Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia). In vivo treatment of tilapia with IL-1 for 8 days led to a 49% inhibition of basal α-MSH release, measured by means of an in vitro micro-superfusion technique. The treatment did not affect the sensitivity of the tissue to TRH. In vitro, the release of α-MSH was inhibited by LPS in a dose dependent manner. In addition to its effects on the unstimulated release of the hormone, LPS also blunted the response to a TRH stimulation. Together with recent results obtained by others demonstrating the effects of (neuro-)peptides on immune parameters and the presence of cytokines in fish, the present data establish the bidirectional character of the communication between the immune and the (neuro-)endocrine systems in teleosts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Physiology, University of Nijmegen, Toernooiveld, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Balm
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pepels
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Lieshout
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Wendelaar Bonga