The neuroimmunomodulatory peptide alpha-MSH.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: T Ichiyama, S Sato, K Okada, A Catania, J M Lipton
• Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci) Vol. 917 Pg. 221-6 ( 2000) ISSN: 0077-8923 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11268347 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• alpha-MSH

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Neuroimmunomodulation
• alpha-MSH (immunology)