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- Title
The Neuropeptide Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone: A Key Component Neuroimmunomodulation.
- Authors
Catania, Anna; Lipton, James M.
- Abstract
Recent research indicates that the proopiomelanocortin derivative α-melano-cyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a significant modulator of host reactions including fever and inflammation. Although the precise mechanism of action is still unknown, cytokine antagonism is believed to be responsible for at least a part of its anti-inflammatory/antipyretic influence:α-MSH antagonizes pyrogenic and proinflammatory effects of cytokines such as interleukin-1(IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interferonγ(IFNγ).Although it is clear that the peptide can act within the brain to inhibit fever and peripheral inflammation, an anti-inflammatory effect on a peripheral target was evidenced in animals with transection of the spinal cord. Recent data show thatα-MSH is significant also in human disorders such as AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and myocardial infarction. This molecule is believed to be a key factor in neuroirnmunomodulation and it may be useful as a therapeutic agent in control of inflammatory reactions. Copyright © 1994 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Publication
Neuroimmunomodulation, 1994, Vol 1, Issue 1, p93
- ISSN
1021-7401
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1159/000097096