Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) products in the central regulation of sympathetic and cardiovascular dynamics: studies on melanocortin and opioid interactions

The melanocortin pathway and energy homeostasis: From discovery to obesity therapy

BACKGROUND

Over the past 20 years, insights from human and mouse genetics have illuminated the central role of the brain leptin-melanocortin pathway in controlling mammalian food intake, with genetic disruption resulting in extreme obesity, and more subtle polymorphic variations influencing the population distribution of body weight. At the end of 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved setmelanotide, a melanocortin 4 receptor agonist, for use in individuals with severe obesity due to either pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Herein, we chart the melanocortin pathway's history, explore its pharmacology, genetics, and physiology, and describe how a neuropeptidergic circuit became an important druggable obesity target.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Unravelling the genetics of the subset of severe obesity has revealed the importance of the melanocortin pathway in appetitive control; coupling this with studying the molecular pharmacology of compounds that bind melanocortin receptors has brought a new obesity drug to the market. This process provides a drug discovery template for complex disorders, which for setmelanotide took 25 years to transform from a single gene into an approved drug.

Optogenetic stimulation of the liver-projecting melanocortinergic pathway promotes hepatic glucose production

The central melanocortin system plays a fundamental role in the control of feeding and body weight. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) also regulate overall glucose homeostasis via insulin-dependent and -independent pathways. Here, we report that a subset of ARC POMC neurons innervate the liver via preganglionic parasympathetic acetylcholine (ACh) neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Optogenetic stimulation of this liver-projecting melanocortinergic pathway elevates blood glucose levels that is associated with increased expression of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes in female and male mice. Pharmacological blockade and knockdown of the melanocortin-4 receptor gene in the DMV abolish this stimulation-induced effect. Activation of melanocortin-4 receptors inhibits DMV cholinergic neurons and optogenetic inhibition of liver-projecting parasympathetic cholinergic fibers increases blood glucose levels. This elevated blood glucose is not due to altered pancreatic hormone release. Interestingly, insulin-induced hypoglycemia increases ARC POMC neuron activity. Hence, this liver-projecting melanocortinergic circuit that we identified may play a critical role in the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.

Hypothalamic melanocortin neurons regulate systemic glucose homeostasis through incompletely understood pathways. Here, the authors show that a subset of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons innervate the liver via preganglionic parasympathetic cholinergic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and that stimulation of this pathway elevates blood glucose levels

Activation of hypothalamic AgRP and POMC neurons evokes disparate sympathetic and cardiovascular responses

The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) plays a key role in linking peripheral metabolic status to the brain melanocortin system, which influences a wide range of physiological processes including the sympathetic nervous system and blood pressure. The importance of the activity of agouti-related peptide (AgRP)- and proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons, two molecularly distinct populations of ARC neurons, for metabolic regulation is well established, but their relevance for sympathetic and cardiovascular control remains unclear. We used designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) technology to study how activation of AgRP and POMC neurons affect renal sympathetic nerve traffic and blood pressure. In addition to the drastic feeding-stimulatory effect, DREADD-mediated activation of AgRP, but not POMC neurons, induced an acute reduction in renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious mice. Paradoxically, however, DREADD-mediated chronic activation of AgRP neurons caused a significant increase in blood pressure specifically in the inactive light phase. On the other hand, chronic activation of POMC neurons led to a significant reduction in blood pressure. These results bring new insights to a previously unappreciated role of ARC AgRP and POMC neuronal activity in autonomic and cardiovascular regulation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)- and proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons of the arcuate nucleus are essential components of the brain melanocortin system that controls various physiological processes. Here, we tested the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of direct activation of these two populations of neurons. Our findings show that, in addition to stimulation of food intake, chemogenetic mediated activation of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus AgRP, but not POMC, neurons reduce renal sympathetic traffic. Despite this, chronic activation of AgRP neurons increased blood pressure. However, chronic activation of POMC neurons led to a significant reduction in blood pressure. Our findings highlight the importance of arcuate nucleus AgRP and POMC neuronal activity in autonomic and cardiovascular regulation.

Melatonin exerts oncostatic capacity and decreases melanogenesis in human MNT-1 melanoma cells

Melanogenesis is a key parameter of differentiation in melanocytes and melanoma cells; therefore, search for factors regulating this pathway are strongly desired. Herein, we investigated the effects of melatonin, a ubiquitous physiological mediator that is found throughout animals and plants. In mammals, the pineal gland secretes this indoleamine into the blood circulation to exert an extensive repertoire of biological activities. Our in vitro assessment indicates an oncostatic capacity of melatonin in time-dependent manner (24, 48, 72 hours) in highly pigmented MNT-1 melanoma cells. The similar pattern of regulation regarding cell viability was observed in amelanotic Sk-Mel-28 cells. Subsequently, MNT-1 cells were tested for the first time for evaluation of melanin/melatonin interaction. Thus primary, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy demonstrated that melatonin reduced melanin content. Artificially induced disturbances of melanogenesis by selected inhibitors (N-phenylthiourea or kojic acid) were slightly antagonized by melatonin. Additionally, analysis using transmission electron microscopy has shown that melatonin, particularly at higher dose of 10-3  mol/L, triggered the appearance of premelanosomes (stage I-II of melanosome) and MNT-1 cells synthesize de novo endogenous melatonin shown by LC-MS. In conclusion, these studies show a melanogenic-like function of melatonin suggesting it as an advantageous agent for treatment of pigmentary disorders.

Bioactive Signaling in Next-Generation Pharmacotherapies for Heart Failure: A Review

Importance

The standard pharmacotherapy for heart failure (HF), particularly HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), is primarily through the use of receptor antagonists, notably inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system by either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition or angiotensin II receptor blockade (ARB). However, the completed Prospective Comparison of ARNI With an ACE-Inhibitor to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial identified that the use of a single molecule (sacubitril/valsartan), which is an ARB and the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor (NEPi) neprilysin, yielded improved clinical outcomes in HFrEF compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition alone.

Observations

This review examined specific bioactive signaling pathways that would be potentiated by NEPi and how these would affect key cardiovascular processes relevant to HFrEF. It also addressed potential additive/synergistic effects of ARB. A number of biological signaling pathways that may be potentiated by sacubitril/valsartan were identified, including some novel candidate molecules, which will act in a synergistic manner to favorably alter the natural history of HFrEF.

Conclusions and Relevance

This review identified that activation rather than inhibition of specific receptor pathways provided favorable cardiovascular effects that cannot be achieved by renin-angiotensin system inhibition alone. Thus, an entirely new avenue of translational and clinical research lies ahead in which HF pharmacotherapies will move beyond receptor antagonist strategies.

Role of melanocortin 4 receptor in hypertension induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia

AIM

We previously demonstrated that central nervous system (CNS) melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) play a key role in regulating blood pressure (BP) in some conditions associated with increased SNS activity, including obesity. In this study, we examined whether activation of CNS MC4R contributes to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced hypertension and ventilatory responses to hypercapnia.

METHODS

Rats were instrumented with an intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula in the lateral cerebral ventricle for continuous infusion of MC4R antagonist (SHU-9119) and telemetry probes for measuring mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Untreated and SHU-9119-treated rats as well as obese and lean MC4R-deficient rats were exposed to CIH for 7-18 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Chronic intermittent hypoxia reduced cumulative food intake by 18 ± 5 g while MAP and HR increased by 10 ± 3 mm Hg and 9 ± 5 bpm in untreated rats. SHU-9119 increased food intake (from 15 ± 1 to 46 ± 3 g) and prevented CIH-induced reduction in food intake. CIH-induced hypertension was not attenuated by MC4R antagonism (average increase of 10 ± 1 vs 9 ± 1 mm Hg for untreated and SHU-9119 treated rats). In obese MC4R-deficient rats, CIH for 7 days raised BP by 11 ± 4 mm Hg. However, when MC4R-deficient rats were food restricted to prevent obesity, CIH-induced hypertension was attenuated by 32%. We also found that MC4R deficiency was associated with impaired ventilatory responses to hypercapnia independently of obesity.

CONCLUSION

These results show that obesity and the CNS melanocortin system interact in complex ways to elevate BP during CIH and that MC4R may be important in the ventilatory responses to hypercapnia.

The melanocortin pathway and control of appetite-progress and therapeutic implications

The initial discovery that ob/ob mice become obese because of a recessive mutation of the leptin gene has been crucial to discover the melanocortin pathway to control appetite. In the melanocortin pathway, the fed state is signaled by abundance of circulating hormones such as leptin and insulin, which bind to receptors expressed at the surface of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to promote processing of POMC to the mature hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The α-MSH released by POMC neurons then signals to decrease energy intake by binding to melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) expressed by MC4R neurons to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Conversely, in the 'starved state' activity of agouti-related neuropeptide (AgRP) and of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-expressing neurons is increased by decreased levels of circulating leptin and insulin and by the orexigenic hormone ghrelin to promote food intake. This initial understanding of the melanocortin pathway has recently been implemented by the description of the complex neuronal circuit that controls the activity of POMC, AgRP/NPY and MC4R neurons and downstream signaling by these neurons. This review summarizes the progress done on the melanocortin pathway and describes how obesity alters this pathway to disrupt energy homeostasis. We also describe progress on how leptin and insulin receptors signal in POMC neurons, how MC4R signals and how altered expression and traffic of MC4R change the acute signaling and desensitization properties of the receptor. We also describe how the discovery of the melanocortin pathway has led to the use of melanocortin agonists to treat obesity derived from genetic disorders.

Hypothalamic POMC or MC4R deficiency impairs counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia in mice

Objective

Life-threatening hypoglycemia is a major limiting factor in the management of diabetes. While it is known that counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia are impaired in diabetes, molecular mechanisms underlying the reduced responses remain unclear. Given the established roles of the hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC)/melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) circuit in regulating sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and the SNS in stimulating counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia, we hypothesized that hypothalamic POMC as well as MC4R, a receptor for POMC derived melanocyte stimulating hormones, is required for normal hypoglycemia counterregulation.

Methods

To test the hypothesis, we induced hypoglycemia or glucopenia in separate cohorts of mice deficient in either POMC or MC4R in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) or the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH), respectively, and measured their circulating counterregulatory hormones. In addition, we performed a hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp study to further validate the function of MC4R in hypoglycemia counterregulation. We also measured Pomc and Mc4r mRNA levels in the ARC and PVH, respectively, in the streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mouse model and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice to delineate molecular mechanisms by which diabetes deteriorates the defense systems against hypoglycemia. Finally, we treated diabetic mice with the MC4R agonist MTII, administered stereotaxically into the PVH, to determine its potential for restoring the counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia in diabetes.

Results

Stimulation of epinephrine and glucagon release in response to hypoglycemia or glucopenia was diminished in both POMC- and MC4R-deficient mice, relative to their littermate controls. Similarly, the counterregulatory response was impaired in association with decreased hypothalamic Pomc and Mc4r expression in the diabetic mice, a phenotype that was not reversed by insulin treatment which normalized glycemia. In contrast, infusion of an MC4R agonist in the PVH restored the counterregulatory response in diabetic mice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hypothalamic Pomc as well as Mc4r, both of which are reduced in type 1 diabetic mice, are required for normal counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia. Therefore, enhancing MC4R function may improve hypoglycemia counterregulation in diabetes.

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Hypothalamic POMC as well as MC4R is necessary to counteract hypoglycemia.

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Type 1 diabetic mice exhibit a reduced Pomc and Mc4r expression in the hypothalamus.

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Insulin treatment does not restore Pomc and Mc4r expression in diabetic mice.

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MC4R agonist improves hypoglycemia counterregulation in diabetic mice.

Control of appetite, blood glucose, and blood pressure during melanocortin-4 receptor activation in normoglycemic and diabetic NPY-deficient mice

Although central melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) blockade abolishes the central nervous system (CNS)-mediated anorexogenic, antidiabetic, and cardiovascular actions of leptin, chronic MC4R stimulation fails to completely mimic the effects of leptin. Because neuropeptide Y (NPY) and MC4R exert opposite effects on cardiovascular and metabolic functions, we tested the role of NPY in offsetting the long-term actions of MC4R activation. Wild-type (WT) and NPY-deficient (NPY^-/-) mice were implanted with telemetry probes for measuring mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) 24 h/day. After the mice recovered from surgery and stable baseline measurements, the MC3/4R agonist melanotan II (MTII, 120 μg·kg^-1·day^-1 iv) was infused for 7 days followed by a recovery period. No major differences between groups were observed at baseline except for slightly higher food intake and HR in NPY^-/- mice (4.3 ± 0.2 vs. 3.4 ± 0.2 g/day and 567 ± 14 vs. 522 ± 13 beats/min). Chronic MTII infusion reduced food intake in both groups while causing transient increases in MAP and HR only in WT mice (peaks of 11 ± 3 mmHg and 126 ± 13 beats/min). To examine whether NPY deficiency would amplify the antidiabetic effects of MC4R activation, diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) 1 wk before baseline measurements were taken, and the same experimental protocol was followed. In WT and NPY^-/- mice, STZ-induced diabetes led to similar hyperphagia, hyperglycemia, and weight loss, which were not reversed by chronic MTII treatment. Our results demonstrate that chronic MC4R activation, even in NPY-deficient mice, does not mimic chronic antidiabetic, cardiovascular, or metabolic actions of leptin, and that NPY is not essential for hyperphagia or cardiovascular changes associated with diabetes.

Reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity contributes to elevated glycosuria and improved glucose tolerance in hypothalamus-specific Pomc knockout mice

Objective

Hypothalamic arcuate nucleus-specific pro-opiomelanocortin deficient (ArcPomc^−/−) mice exhibit improved glucose tolerance despite massive obesity and insulin resistance. We demonstrated previously that their improved glucose tolerance is due to elevated glycosuria. However, the underlying mechanisms that link glucose reabsorption in the kidney with ArcPomc remain unclear. Given the function of the hypothalamic melanocortin system in controlling sympathetic outflow, we hypothesized that reduced renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in ArcPomc^−/− mice could explain their elevated glycosuria and consequent enhanced glucose tolerance.

Methods

We measured RSNA by multifiber recording directly from the nerves innervating the kidneys in ArcPomc^−/− mice. To further validate the function of RSNA in glucose reabsorption, we denervated the kidneys of WT and diabetic db/db mice before measuring their glucose tolerance and urine glucose levels. Moreover, we performed western blot and immunohistochemistry to determine kidney GLUT2 and SGLT2 levels in either ArcPomc^−/− mice or the renal-denervated mice.

Results

Consistent with our hypothesis, we found that basal RSNA was decreased in ArcPomc^−/− mice relative to their wild type (WT) littermates. Remarkably, both WT and db/db mice exhibited elevated glycosuria and improved glucose tolerance after renal denervation. The elevated glycosuria in obese ArcPomc^−/−, WT and db/db mice was due to reduced renal GLUT2 levels in the proximal tubules. Overall, we show that renal-denervated WT and diabetic mice recapitulate the phenotype of improved glucose tolerance and elevated glycosuria associated with reduced renal GLUT2 levels observed in obese ArcPomc^−/− mice.

Conclusion

Hence, we conclude that ArcPomc is essential in maintaining basal RSNA and that elevated glycosuria is a possible mechanism to explain improved glucose tolerance after renal denervation in drug resistant hypertensive patients.

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Hypothalamic POMC is essential in maintaining basal renal sympathetic nerve activity.

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Renal denervation improves glucose tolerance in wild-type and db/db mice by elevating their glycosuria.

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Decreased renal GLUT2 is responsible for elevated glycosuria in mice with suppressed renal sympathetic nerve activity.

Regulation of Blood Pressure, Appetite, and Glucose by CNS Melanocortin System in Hyperandrogenemic Female SHR

BACKGROUND

Hyperandrogenemia in females may be associated with sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and increased blood pressure (BP). However the importance of hyperandrogenemia in causing hypertension in females and the mechanisms involved are still unclear. We tested whether chronic hyperandrogenemia exacerbates hypertension in young female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and whether endogenous melanocortin-3/4 receptor (MC3/4R) activation contributes to the elevated BP.

METHODS

Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of chronic MC3/4R antagonism were assessed in female SHR treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT, beginning at 5 weeks of age) and placebo-treated female SHR. BP and heart rate (HR) were measured by telemetry and an intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula was placed in the lateral ventricle for infusions. After control measurements, the MC3/4R antagonist (SHU-9119) was infused for 10 days (1 nmol/hour, ICV, at 15 weeks of age) followed by a 5-day recovery period.

RESULTS

MC3/4R antagonism increased food intake and body weight in DHT-treated SHR (14±1 to 35±1g/day and 244±3 to 298±8g) and controls (14±1 to 34±2g/day and 207±4 to 269±8g). Compared to untreated SHR, DHT-treated SHR had similar BP but lower HR (146±3 vs. 142±4mm Hg and 316±2 vs. 363±4 bpm). Chronic SHU-9119 infusion reduced BP and HR in DHT-treated SHR (-12±2mm Hg and -14±4 bpm) and control female SHR (-19±2mm Hg and -21±6 bpm).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that hyperandrogenemia does not exacerbate hypertension in female SHR. MC3/4R antagonism reduces BP and HR despite marked increases in food intake and body weight in hyperandrogenemic and control female SHR.

Role of hindbrain melanocortin-4 receptor activity in controlling cardiovascular and metabolic functions in spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND

Although we previously demonstrated that activation of central nervous system (CNS) melanocortin3/4 receptors (MC3/4R) play a key role in blood pressure (BP) regulation, especially in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), the importance of hindbrain MC4R is still unclear.

METHOD

In the present study, we examined the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of chronic inhibition of MC3/4R in the hindbrain of SHRs and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Male WKY rats (n = 6) and SHRs (n = 7) were implanted with telemetry probes to measure BP and heart rate (HR) 24 h/day, and an intracerebroventricular cannula was placed into the fourth ventricle. After 10 days of recovery and 5 days of control measurements, the MC3/4R antagonist (SHU-9119) was infused into the fourth ventricle (1 nmol/h) to antagonize hindbrain MC4R for 10 days, followed by a 5-day recovery period.

RESULTS

Chronic hindbrain MC3/4R antagonism significantly increased food intake and body weight in WKY rats (17 ± 1 to 35 ± 2 g/day and 280 ± 8 to 353 ± 8 g) and SHRs (19 ± 2 to 35 ± 2 g/day and 323 ± 7 to 371 ± 11 g), and markedly increased fasting insulin and leptin levels while causing no changes in blood glucose levels (99 ± 4 to 87 ± 4 and 89 ± 5 to 89 ± 4 mg/dl, respectively, for WKY rats and SHRs). Chronic SHU-9119 infusion reduced mean arterial pressure and HR similarly in WKY rats (-8 ± 1 mmHg and -47 ± 3 b.p.m.) and SHRs (-11 ± 3 mmHg and -44 ± 3 b.p.m.).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that although hindbrain MC4R activity contributes to appetite and HR regulation, it does not play a major role in mediating the elevated BP in SHRs.

Hypothalamic POMC Deficiency Improves Glucose Tolerance Despite Insulin Resistance by Increasing Glycosuria

Hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is essential for the physiological regulation of energy balance; however, its role in glucose homeostasis remains less clear. We show that hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc)POMC-deficient mice, which develop severe obesity and insulin resistance, unexpectedly exhibit improved glucose tolerance and remain protected from hyperglycemia. To explain these paradoxical phenotypes, we hypothesized that an insulin-independent pathway is responsible for the enhanced glucose tolerance. Indeed, the mutant mice demonstrated increased glucose effectiveness and exaggerated glycosuria relative to wild-type littermate controls at comparable blood glucose concentrations. Central administration of the melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan II in mutant mice reversed alterations in glucose tolerance and glycosuria, whereas, conversely, administration of the antagonist Agouti-related peptide (Agrp) to wild-type mice enhanced glucose tolerance. The glycosuria of ArcPOMC-deficient mice was due to decreased levels of renal GLUT 2 (rGLUT2) but not sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 and was associated with reduced renal catecholamine content. Epinephrine treatment abolished the genotype differences in glucose tolerance and rGLUT2 levels, suggesting that reduced renal sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity is the underlying mechanism for the observed glycosuria and improved glucose tolerance in ArcPOMC-deficient mice. Therefore, the ArcPOMC-SNS-rGLUT2 axis is potentially an insulin-independent therapeutic target to control diabetes.

Bombesin-like receptor 3 regulates blood pressure and heart rate via a central sympathetic mechanism

Bombesin-like receptor 3 (BRS-3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that regulates energy expenditure, food intake, and body weight. We examined the effects of BRS-3 deletion and activation on blood pressure and heart rate. In free-living, telemetered Brs3 null mice the resting heart rate was 10% lower than wild-type controls, while the resting mean arterial pressure was unchanged. During physical activity, the heart rate and blood pressure increased more in Brs3 null mice, reaching a similar heart rate and higher mean arterial pressure than control mice. When sympathetic input was blocked with propranolol, the heart rate of Brs3 null mice was unchanged, while the heart rate in control mice was reduced to the level of the null mice. The intrinsic heart rate, measured after both sympathetic and parasympathetic blockade, was similar in Brs3 null and control mice. Intravenous infusion of the BRS-3 agonist MK-5046 increased mean arterial pressure and heart rate in wild-type but not in Brs3 null mice, and this increase was blocked by pretreatment with clonidine, a sympatholytic, centrally acting α2-adrenergic agonist. In anesthetized mice, hypothalamic infusion of MK-5046 also increased both mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Taken together, these data demonstrate that BRS-3 contributes to resting cardiac sympathetic tone, but is not required for activity-induced increases in heart rate and blood pressure. The data suggest that BRS-3 activation increases heart rate and blood pressure via a central sympathetic mechanism.

Chronic central nervous system MC3/4R blockade attenuates hypertension induced by nitric oxide synthase inhibition but not by angiotensin II infusion

We examined whether central melanocortin 3 and 4 receptor (MC3/4R) blockade attenuates the blood pressure (BP) responses to chronic L-NAME or angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion in Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with telemetry transmitters, venous catheters, and intracerebroventricular cannula into the lateral ventricle. After 5 days of control measurements, L-NAME (10 μg/kg/min IV, groups 1 and 2) or Ang II (10 ng/kg/min IV, groups 3 and 4) were infused for 24 days, and starting on day 7 of L-NAME or Ang II infusion, the MC3/4R antagonist SHU-9119 (24 nmol/d, n=6/group; groups 1 and 3) or vehicle (saline 0.5 μL/h, n=6/group; groups 2 and 4) was infused intracerebroventricularly for 10 days. A control normotensive group also received SHU-9119 for 10 days (n=5). L-NAME and Ang II increased BP by 40±3 and 56±5 mm Hg, respectively, although heart rate was slightly reduced. MC3/4R blockade doubled food intake and reduced heart rate (≈40 to ≈50 bpm) in all groups. MC3/4R blockade caused only a small reduction in BP in normotensive group (4 mm Hg) and no change in rats receiving Ang II, although markedly reducing BP by 21±4 mm Hg in L-NAME-treated rats. After SHU-9119 infusion was stopped, food intake, heart rate, and BP gradually returned to values observed before SHU-9119 infusion was started. Ganglionic blockade at the end of L-NAME or Ang II infusion caused similar BP reduction in both groups. These results suggest that the brain MC3/4R contributes, at least in part, to the hypertension induced by chronic L-NAME infusion but not by Ang II.

Hemodynamic actions and mechanisms of systemically administered α-MSH analogs in mice

α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) regulates important physiological functions including energy homeostasis and inflammation. Potent analogs of α-MSH, [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]-α-MSH (NDP-α-MSH) and melanotan-II (MT-II), are widely used in pharmacological studies, but the hemodynamic effects associated with their systemic administration have not been thoroughly examined. Therefore, we investigated the hemodynamic actions of these compounds in anesthetized and conscious C57Bl/6N mice using peripheral routes of administration. NDP-α-MSH and MT-II induced mild changes in blood pressure and heart rate in anesthetized mice compared to the effects observed in conscious mice, suggesting that anesthesia distorts the hemodynamic actions of α-MSH analogs. In conscious mice, NDP-α-MSH and MT-II increased blood pressure and heart rate in a dose-dependent manner, but the tachycardic effect was more prominent than the pressor effect. Pretreatment with the melanocortin (MC) 3/4 receptor antagonist SHU9119 abolished these hemodynamic effects. Furthermore, the blockade of β(1)-adrenoceptors with metoprolol prevented the pressor effect and partly the tachycardic action of α-MSH analogs, while the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium abrogated completely the difference in heart rate between vehicle and α-MSH treatments. These findings suggest that the pressor effect is primarily caused by augmentation of cardiac sympathetic activity, but the tachycardic effect seems to involve withdrawal of vagal tone in addition to sympathetic activation. In conclusion, the present results indicate that systemic administration of α-MSH analogs elevates blood pressure and heart rate via activation of MC(3/4) receptor pathways. These effects and the consequent increase in cardiac workload should be taken into account when using α-MSH analogs via peripheral routes of administration.

Neuronostatin acts in brain to biphasically increase mean arterial pressure through sympatho-activation followed by vasopressin secretion: the role of melanocortin receptors

Neuronostatin is a recently described neuropeptide that is derived from the somatostatin preprohormone. We have shown previously that neuronostatin led to a biphasic, dose-related increase in mean arterial pressure when injected into the lateral cerebroventricle of adult, male rats. Because neuronostatin depolarized both magnocellular and parvocellular, paraventricular nucleus neurons in hypothalamic slice preparations, we hypothesized that neuronostatin elevated mean arterial pressure first by stimulating sympathetic nervous system activity followed by the release of a pressor hormone, specifically vasopressin. We found that the first phase of neuronostatin-induced increase in mean arterial pressure was reversed by pretreatment with phentolamine, indicating that phase 1 was, indeed, due to an increase in sympathetic activity. We also found that centrally injected neuronostatin led to a dose-related increase in vasopressin secretion in a time course consistent with the peak of the second phase. Furthermore, the second phase of arterial pressure elevation was reversed by pretreatment with a vasopressin 1 receptor antagonist, indicating that phase 2 was likely due to an increase in vasopressin secretion. We previously have shown that the anorexigenic and antidipsogenic effects of neuronostatin were reversed by pretreatment with the melanocortin 3/4 receptor antagonist, SHU9119, so we evaluated the ability of SHU9119 to reverse the effects of neuronostatin on MAP and vasopressin secretion. We found that SHU9119 abrogated the second phase of neuronostatin-induced increase in MAP and neuronostatin-induced vasopressin secretion, indicating that neuronostatin acts through the central melanocortin system to increase vasopressin release, ultimately leading to an elevation in MAP.

Functions for pro-opiomelanocortin-derived peptides in obesity and diabetes

Melanocortin peptides, derived from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) are produced in the ARH (arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus) neurons and the neurons in the commissural NTS (nucleus of the solitary tract) of the brainstem, in anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary, skin and a wide range of peripheral tissues, including reproductive organs. A hypothetical model for functional roles of melanocortin receptors in maintaining energy balance was proposed in 1997. Since this time, there has been an extraordinary amount of knowledge gained about POMC-derived peptides in relation to energy homoeostasis. Development of a Pomc-null mouse provided definitive proof that POMC-derived peptides are critical for the regulation of energy homoeostasis. The melanocortin system consists of endogenous agonists and antagonists, five melanocortin receptor subtypes and receptor accessory proteins. The melanocortin system, as is now known, is far more complex than most of us could have imagined in 1997, and, similarly, the importance of this system for regulating energy homoeostasis in the general human population is much greater than we would have predicted. Of the known factors that can cause human obesity, or protect against it, the melanocortin system is by far the most significant. The present review is a discussion of the current understanding of the roles and mechanism of action of POMC, melanocortin receptors and AgRP (agouti-related peptide) in obesity and Type 2 diabetes and how the central and/or peripheral melanocortin systems mediate nutrient, leptin, insulin, gut hormone and cytokine regulation of energy homoeostasis.

Neuropeptide Y and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: interaction in obesity and possible role in the development of hypertension

AIM

Obesity and hypertension frequently coexist and both represent important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The mechanisms implicated in the regulation of food intake have not been completely elucidated. Recent data suggests that peripheral and central neuropeptides play an important role in the maintenance of energy balance. More specifically, leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a-MSH) appear to be implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and also contribute to the development of hypertension in obesity.

METHODS

Analysis of the pertinent bibliography published in PubMed database.

RESULTS

Leptin is produced in the adipose tissue directly correlated with fat tissue mass. Leptin acts on two distinct neural populations in the hypothalamus: the first expresses the orexigenic peptides NPY and agouti-related protein (AgRP), the second pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The activation of POMC neurons increases the production of the anorexigenic hormone a-MSH and inhibits the release of NPY and AgRP. In addition, the hypothalamus integrates the neuroendocrine systems with the autonomic nervous system and controls the activity of the latter. Stimulation of hypothalamic nuclei elicits sympathetic responses including blood pressure elevation. Both NPY and a-MSH appears to be implicated in the hypothalamic regulation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity.

CONCLUSION

Alterations in leptin, NPY and a-MSH are frequently observed in obesity and might stimulate SNS activity, contributing to the development of hypertension in obese patients. These neuropeptides might provide a pathophysiologic link between excess weight and hypertension. However, more research is needed before the pharmacologic manipulation of these complex neuroendocrine systems can be applied in the treatment of obesity and hypertension.

Rat brain opioid peptides-circadian rhythm is under control of melatonin

Several experiments have revealed an Endogenous Opioid System (EOS)-circadian rhythm. The brain-borne hormone, melatonin (MEL) has been shown to regulate the organism photoperiodic activity and may be implicated in the EOS-circadian rhythm. To explore this hypothesis, we studied the effect of functional pinealectomy on the EOS-circadian rhythm by measuring the immunoreactive content of Met-Enkephalin, Leu-Enkephalin and Synenkephalin in both hypothalamus and hippocampus of the rat brain, using standard radioimmunoassay procedures. Experimental animals exposed to white fluorescent light (WFL) for 15days (<50lux), displayed a disruption of the EOS-circadian rhythm, showing that absence of MEL induced a significant decrease of tissue content of enkephalin peptides at 01:00h during the dark-phase of the 24-h circadian rhythm, when compared to control rats. Functional pinealectomized rats exposed to 4 or 6h period of darkness (used to revert the effects induced by the absence of melatonin) significantly increased the tissue content of ME-IR and LE-IR, when compared to both controls and non-exposed WFL-treated rats. In addition, subcutaneous administration of exogenous melatonin (10, 100, 150, 300, 600microg/kg), in WFL-treated animals produced significant dose-dependent increases of ME-IR in both brain regions tested. Finally, luzindole (melatonin receptor antagonist) administration, was not able to prevent the enkephalin tissue increase, induced with the MEL administration (150microg/kg). This data suggest that MEL not only regulates the EOS-circadian rhythm, but also appears to modulate their synthesis in the rat brain from their respective neurons.

Sexually dimorphic responses to fat loss after caloric restriction or surgical lipectomy

White adipose tissue is the principal site for lipid accumulation. Males and females maintain distinctive white adipose tissue distribution patterns. Specifically, males tend to accumulate relatively more visceral fat, whereas females accumulate relatively more subcutaneous fat. The phenomenon of maintaining typical sex-specific fat distributions suggests sex-specific mechanisms that regulate energy balance and adiposity. We used two distinct approaches to reduce fat mass, caloric restriction (CR), and surgical fat removal (termed lipectomy) and assessed parameters involved in the regulation of energy balance. We found that male and female mice responded differentially to CR- and to lipectomy-induced fat loss. Females decreased energy expenditure during CR or after lipectomy. In contrast, males responded by eating more food during food return after CR or after lipectomy. Female CR mice conserved subcutaneous fat, whereas male CR mice lost adiposity equally in the subcutaneous and visceral depots. In addition, female mice had a reduced capability to restore visceral fat after fat loss. After CR, plasma leptin levels decreased in male but not in female mice. The failure to increase food intake after returning to ad libitum intake in females could be due to the relatively stable levels of leptin. In summary, we have found sexual dimorphisms in the response to fat loss that point to important underlying differences in the strategies by which male and female mice regulate body weight.

Role of nitric oxide in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced hypotension in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the spontaneously hypertensive rats

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is expressed in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of the brainstem, where nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in cardiovascular regulation. The POMC-derived neuropeptides and their receptors are important regulators of energy homeostasis and cardiovascular functions in the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the cardiovascular effect of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a POMC-derived neuropeptide, and its relationship with NO pathway in the NTS of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Unilateral microinjection of alpha-MSH (0.3-300 pmol) into the NTS resulted in a dose-dependent hypotension and bradycardia in urethane-anesthetized SHR. The alpha-MSH-induced hypotension was abolished by pretreatment with the antagonist of melanocortin-3/4 receptor (MC-3/4R), Ac-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Nal(2')-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2 (SHU9119). Blockade of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA), the downstream effector of melanocortin receptors, by previous injection of N-[2-(4-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline (H89) also ablated the cardiovascular effect of alpha-MSH. To elucidate the role of NO pathway in alpha-MSH-evoked hypotension, pretreatment with Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a universal inhibitor of nitric-oxide synthase (NOS), partially reversed the depressor and bradycardic effects of alpha-MSH. Furthermore, previous application of the inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, aminoguanidine, but not the neuronal NOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole, attenuated the cardiovascular effect of alpha-MSH. Histological analysis revealed the colocalization of MC-4R, but not MC-3R, with iNOS in the NTS of SHR. In summary, intra-NTS injection of alpha-MSH induces hypotension and bradycardia of SHR via MC-4R signaling, which activates cAMP/PKA and iNOS.

Central receptors mediating the cardiovascular actions of melanocyte stimulating hormones

OBJECTIVE

Alpha and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSH) are peptides that possess potent hypertensinogenic actions when injected intravenously or intracerebroventricularly. We sought to define the central receptor(s) mediating these cardiovascular actions.

METHODS

We gave bolus injections of synthetic alpha or gamma-MSH intravenously or intracerebroventricularly to anesthetized wild-type (Mc3r+/+, Mc4r+/+) mice and mice with targeted disruption of the gamma-MSH receptor (Mc3r-/-) or the melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r-/-).

RESULTS

Gamma-MSH injected intravenously increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) dose-dependently, with the effect being evident at 10 mol/kg; the maximum increase, at 10 mol/kg, was 38 mmHg in both strains from similar control MAP. Parallel increases in HR also occurred. Injection of the sodium channel blocker, benzamil, 4 microg/kg intracerebroventricularly, before intravenous gamma-MSH completely prevented the increases in MAP and HR in both strains. Injection of 2 x 10 mol/g body weight alpha-MSH intravenously had no effect on MAP or HR in Mc4r wild-type or -/- mice. However, the same dose given intracerebroventricularly to wild-type mice increased MAP from 76 +/- 4 to 95 +/- 5 mmHg at 10 min (P < 0.01) and HR from 416 +/- 15 to 480 +/- 15 beats/min (P < 0.01). In Mc4r-/- mice, the intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide did not alter these variables, in contrast to the results in wild-type mice.

CONCLUSION

Both MSH peptides exert their hypertensinogenic effects through central sites of action, which probably reflect the activation of sympathetic outflow. The actions of intracerebroventricular alpha-MSH appear to be mediated via Mc4r, whereas those of gamma-MSH are independent of its receptor Mc3r, but reflect the activation of a sodium channel in the central nervous system. These results help to reconcile the hypertensive action of gamma-MSH injections with the hypertension observed in states of gamma-MSH deficiency.

The melanocortins and melanin-concentrating hormone in the central regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis

A number of different neuropeptides exert powerful concerted controls on feeding behavior and energy balance, most of them being produced in hypothalamic neuronal networks under stimulation by anabolic and catabolic peripheral hormones such as ghrelin and leptin, respectively. These peptide-expressing neurons interconnect extensively to integrate the multiple opposing signals that mediate changes in energy expenditure. In the present review I have summarized our current knowledge about two key peptidic systems involved in regulating appetite and energy homeostasis, the melanocortin system (alpha-MSH, agouti and Agouti-related peptides, MC receptors and mahogany protein) and the melanin-concentrating hormone system (proMCH-derived peptides and MCH receptors) that contribute to satiety and feeding-initiation, respectively, with concurrent effects on energy expenditure. I have focused particularly on recent data concerning transgenic mice and the ongoing development of MC/MCH receptor antagonists/agonists that may represent promising drugs to treat human eating disorders on both sides of the energy balance (anorexia, obesity).

Angiotensin-converting enzyme II in the heart and the kidney

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been recognized for many years as critical pathway for blood pressure control and kidney functions. Although most of the well-known cardiovascular and renal effects of RAS are attributed to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), much less is known about the function of ACE2. Experiments using genetically modified mice and inhibitor studies have shown that ACE2 counterbalances the functions of ACE and that the balance between these two proteases determines local and systemic levels of RAS peptides such as angiotensin II and angiotensin1-7. Ace2 mutant mice exhibit progressive impairment of heart contractility at advanced ages, a phenotype that can be reverted by loss of ACE, suggesting that these enzymes directly control heart function. Moreover, ACE2 is also found to be upregulated in failing hearts. In the kidney, ACE2 protein levels are significantly decreased in hypertensive rats, suggesting a negative regulatory role of ACE2 in blood pressure control. Moreover, ACE2 expression is downregulated in the kidneys of diabetic and pregnant rats and ACE2 mutant mice develop late onset glomerulonephritis resembling diabetic nephropathy. Importantly, ACE2 not only controls angiotensin II levels but functions as a protease on additional molecular targets that could contribute to the observed in vivo phenotypes of ACE2 mutant mice. Thus, ACE2 seems to be a molecule that has protective roles in heart and kidney. The development of drugs that could activate ACE2 function would allow extending our treatment options in diabetic nephropathy, heart failure, or hypertension.

Cardiovascular responses to melanocortin 4-receptor stimulation in conscious unrestrained normotensive rats

In the present studies, we used a non-selective melanocortin MC3/4 receptor agonist (HP228) and a novel selective melanocortin MC4 receptor (MC4-R) agonist (MK-cpd1) to study the cardiovascular, temperature, locomotor and feeding responses to melanocortin receptor stimulation in comparison to sibutramine in rats instrumented with a telemetry transmitter. Moreover, norepinephrine turnover rates in heart and brown adipose tissue were determined. HP228 (1, 3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.) reduced 24h food intake dose-dependently and increased heart rate and mean arterial pressure (maximal differences: +60+/-8beats/min and +8+/-1mmHg, means+/-S.E.M., p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). After 10mg/kg HP228 showed a three-fold increase in norepinephrine turnover in the heart. The selective MC4-R agonist MK-cpd1 tended to decrease 24h food intake only at the highest dose tested (10mg/kg, i.p., p=0.06) and increased both heart rate (+17+/-4 and +22+/-5beats/min at 3 and 10mg/kg, p<0.01) and mean arterial pressure (+4+/-1mmHg at 10mg/kg, p<0.05). Sibutramine reduced food intake at all doses tested (1, 3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.). It did not change mean arterial pressure significantly, and increased heart rate only at the highest dose tested (+36+/-6beats/min, p<0.05). If also observed in humans, the pharmacological profile of MC4-R agonists would not offer a significant therapeutic advantage over currently used appetite suppressants such as sibutramine.

Dimerization of the melanocortin 4 receptor: a study using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer

The melanocortin 4 receptor is important in the regulation of satiety. In this study we have investigated the propensity of the MC4 receptor to homodimerize. MC4 receptors with either a modified green fluorescent protein (GFP(2)) or Renilla luciferase (RLuc) at their C-terminus were constructed. These receptors showed equivalent binding and functional properties to the wild-type MC4 receptor. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer readings indicated that the MC4 receptor exists as a constitutive homodimer, which was not regulated by peptide interaction. The efficiency of MC4 receptor to form homodimers was greatly enhanced compared to its ability to heterodimerize with the kappa opioid receptor.

Roles of acetylation and other post-translational modifications in melanocortin function and interactions with endorphins

Phylogenetic, developmental, anatomic, and stimulus-specific variations in post-translational processing of POMC are well established. For melanocortins, the role of alpha-N-acetylation and the selective activities of alpha, beta, and gamma forms are of special interest. Acetylation may shift the predominant activity of POMC products between endorphinergic and melanocortinergic actions-which are often in opposition. This review addresses: (1) variations in POMC processing; (2) the influence of acetylation on the functional activity of alpha-MSH; (3) state- and stimulus-dependent effects on the proportional distribution of forms of melanocortins and endorphins; (4) divergent effects of alpha-MSH and beta-endorphin administration; (5) potential roles of beta- and gamma-MSH.

A Functional Continuum of Regulatory Anxiety-Enhancing Peptides. The Search for Complexes Providing the Optimal Basis for Developing Inhibitory Therapeutic Agents

Regulatory peptides are actively involved in controlling most physiological processes. One such function is regulation of the level of anxiety and panic states. We report here a meta-analysis of data published from 1960 to 2004 on the effects of anxiety-enhancing regulatory peptides. The resulting database was used to investigate the organization and functioning of the anxiogenic regulatory peptide system. Using vector representation of the effects of these peptides, the spectra of physiological effects which might be provoked by each anxiety- and fear-increasing regulatory peptide alone and in combination were evaluated. Complexes of regulatory peptides with anxiogenic profiles with the greatest potential for the further experimental development of inhibitory pharmacological agents were identified.

Neuroanatomical evidence for participation of the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) in regulation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone

To test the hypothesis that neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) may be under both direct and indirect regulation by alpha melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)-synthesizing neurons of the arcuate nucleus, we determined whether the retrogradely transported marker substance, cholera toxin beta-subunit (CtB), when injected into the PVN, labels distinct populations of neurons in the hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus (DMN) that are innervated by axon terminals containing alpha-MSH. Following iontophoresis of CtB into the PVN, retrogradely labeled neurons were identified in the DMN primarily on the same side as the injection, although a few neurons were also identified in the opposite side of the DMN. The greatest percentage of retrogradely labeled DMN neurons were located in the medial portion of the ventral subdivision of the DMN (DMNv), accounting for approximately 64.8 +/- 1.1% of all CtB-labeled cells in the DMN. The second largest population, comprising 25.9 +/- 1.6% of the total number of CtB cells in the DMN, was diffusely distributed in the dorsal subdivision of the DMN (DMNd). Only 9.4 +/- 0.3% of the CtB-labeled cells were located in the compact zone of the DMN (DMNc). In double-labeling immunofluorescent preparations, 61.1 +/- 1.0% of the CtB cells in the DMNv, 38.6 +/- 0.9% of the CtB cells in the DMNd, and 13.1 +/- 1.3% of the CtB cells in the DMNc were contacted by axon terminals containing alpha-MSH. These data establish that neurons in discrete regions in the DMN may be influenced by the melanocortin signaling system and thereby, could serve as important relay sites to the PVN.

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.

A role for the central histaminergic system in the leptin-mediated increase in cardiovascular dynamics

The central nervous system (CNS) histaminergic neurons have been shown to regulate feeding behavior and are a target of leptin in the brain. The present study aimed to examine the involvement of the histaminergic system in the leptin-mediated regulation of cardiovascular dynamics. We investigated the cardiovascular responses to the CNS administration of histamine, leptin and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) both in the presence and absence of the histamine H1 antagonist, chlorpheniramine. The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of histamine resulted in an immediate increase in both mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and vasoconstricted the iliac, renal and superior mesenteric vessels. The i.c.v. pretreatment with chlorpheniramine attenuated the histamine-induced increase in MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. The i.c.v. administration of leptin increased MAP and HR and decreased vascular conductance. The i.c.v. pretreatment with chlorpheniramine decreased the leptin-induced increase in MAP and the leptin-mediated iliac vasoconstriction. The i.c.v. administration of alpha-MSH also increased MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. However, pretreatment with chlorpheniramine did not influence the central alpha-MSH-mediated increase in MAP, HR and decreased vascular conductance. These results indicate that the central histaminergic system mediated by H1 receptors have a role in the central signaling pathway and is involved in leptin's regulation of cardiovascular dynamics. It appears that leptin directly or indirectly stimulates histaminergic neurons that lead to increased cardiovascular activity.

Hypothalamic agouti-related protein immunoreactivity in food-restricted, obese, and insulin-treated animals: evidence for glia cell localization

Agouti-related protein (AGRP) has been implicated in the regulation of metabolic balance. Overexpression of this peptide leads to obesity. Its activity is mediated via the melanocortin-4 (MC-4) receptor where it acts as an MC-4 receptor antagonist. In this study, we characterized the AGRP brain distribution and cellular localization in control, food-restricted, obese, and insulin-treated rats using immunohistochemistry. AGRP immunostaining was found selectively in regions of the arcuate and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. These regions were stained less intensely in food-restricted rats than in controls. AGRP-positive cells in the hypothalamus of obese animals were three times more numerous than in control rats. Also, insulin treatment acted to decrease AGRP immunostaining. Analysis of AGRP cellular localization demonstrated its presence in the cytoplasm of numerous small (7-12 microm) cell bodies of putative protoplasmic astrocytes as well as in nerve fibers. Glia fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining of sections adjacent to those stained for AGRP revealed astrocytes with morphology similar to AGRP-positive cells. A few AGRP-positive nerve cell bodies were also found in the arcuate nucleus of obese rats. We conclude that AGRP hypothalamic content is decreased by fasting and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) insulin treatment and increased in obesity. In addition to its presence in nerve fibers, AGRP localization in astroglia-like cells suggests a possible role for these elements in its synthesis or its sequestration from the neuronal compartment.

Design and Synthesis of Melanocortin Peptides with Candidacidal and Anti-TNF-α Properties

Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is an endogenous antiinflammatory peptide with antimicrobial properties. We recently found that a synthetic analogue, [dNal(2')-7, Phe-12]-alpha-MSH (6-13), was considerably more potent in killing Candida albicans, but the anti-cytokine potential of the molecule was not investigated. Because molecules that combine candidacidal and antiinflammatory properties could be very useful in clinical practice, we measured the anti-TNF-alpha potential of [dNal(2')-7, Phe-12]-alpha-MSH (6-13) and explored effects of amino acid deletions and substitutions on both anti-Candida and anti-TNF-alpha activities. The results show that anti-TNF-alpha properties of this candidacidal peptide are only marginally increased relative to the native sequence. Conversely, we found that a closely related candidacidal analogue, [dNal(2')-7, Pro-12]-alpha-MSH (6-13), had enhanced anti-TNF-alpha effects in vitro and in vivo. This peptide, and other melanocortins with a similar dual effect, could be very useful to eradicate infections and, concurrently, reduce inflammatory reactions.

Effects of peptides, with emphasis on feeding, pain, and behavior A 5-year (1999-2003) review of publications in Peptides

Novel effects of naturally occurring peptides are continuing to be discovered, and their mechanisms of actions as well as interactions with other substances, organs, and systems have been elucidated. Synthetic analogs may have actions similar or antagonistic to the endogenous peptides, and both the native peptides and analogs have potential as drugs or drug targets. The journal Peptides publishes many leading articles on the structure-activity relationship of peptides as well as outstanding reviews on some families of peptides. Complementary to the reviews, here we extract information from the original papers published during the past five years in Peptides (1999-2003) to summarize the effects of different classes of peptides, their modulation by other chemicals and various pathophysiological states, and the mechanisms by which the effects are exerted. Special attention is given to peptides related to feeding, pain, and other behaviors. By presenting in condensed form the effects of peptides which are essential for systems biology, we hope that this summary of existing knowledge will encourage additional novel research to be presented in Peptides.

Gamma-MSH, sodium metabolism, and salt-sensitive hypertension

Alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSHs) are melanotropin peptides that are derived from the ACTH/beta-endorphin prohormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC). They have been highly conserved through evolutionary development, although their functions in mammals have remained obscure. The identification in the last decade of a family of five membrane-spanning melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs), for which the melanotropins are the natural ligands, has permitted the characterization of a number of important actions of these peptides, although the physiological function(s) of gamma-MSH have remained elusive. Much evidence indicates that gamma-MSH stimulates sympathetic outflow and raises blood pressure through a central mechanism. However, this review focuses on newer cardiovascular and renal actions of the peptide, acting in most cases through the MC3-R. In rodents, a high-sodium diet (HSD) increases the pituitary abundance of POMC mRNA and of gamma-MSH content and results in a doubling of plasma gamma-MSH concentration. The peptide is natriuretic and acts through renal MC3-Rs, which are also upregulated by the HSD. Thus the system appears designed to participate in the integrated response to dietary sodium excess. Genetic or pharmacologic induction of gamma-MSH deficiency results in marked salt-sensitive hypertension that is corrected by the administration of the peptide, probably through a central site of action. Deletion of the MC3-R also produces salt-sensitive hypertension, which, however, is not corrected by infusion of the hormone. These observations in aggregate suggest the operation of a hormonal system important in blood pressure control and in the regulation of sodium excretion. The relationship of these two actions to each other and the significance of this system in humans are important questions for future research.

Hypothalamic control of energy balance: different peptides, different functions

Energy balance is maintained via a homeostatic system involving both the brain and the periphery. A key component of this system is the hypothalamus. Over the past two decades, major advances have been made in identifying an increasing number of peptides within the hypothalamus that contribute to the process of energy homeostasis. Under stable conditions, equilibrium exists between anabolic peptides that stimulate feeding behavior, as well as decrease energy expenditure and lipid utilization in favor of fat storage, and catabolic peptides that attenuate food intake, while stimulating sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and restricting fat deposition by increasing lipid metabolism. The equilibrium between these neuropeptides is dynamic in nature. It shifts across the day-night cycle and from day to day and also in response to dietary challenges as well as peripheral energy stores. These shifts occur in close relation to circulating levels of the hormones, leptin, insulin, ghrelin and corticosterone, and also the nutrients, glucose and lipids. These circulating factors together with neural processes are primary signals relaying information regarding the availability of fuels needed for current cellular demand, in addition to the level of stored fuels needed for long-term use. Together, these signals have profound impact on the expression and production of neuropeptides that, in turn, initiate the appropriate anabolic or catabolic responses for restoring equilibrium. In this review, we summarize the evidence obtained on nine peptides in the hypothalamus that have emerged as key players in this process. Data from behavioral, physiological, pharmacological and genetic studies are described and consolidated in an attempt to formulate a clear statement on the underlying function of each of these peptides and also on how they work together to create and maintain energy homeostasis.

High fat feeding is associated with increased blood pressure, sympathetic nerve activity and hypothalamic mu opioid receptors

Obesity and high fat diets are associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. However, the mechanism(s) linking obesity and high fat diet to these metabolic and cardiovascular disorders are not fully elucidated. Leptin stimulates the formation of pro-opiomelanocortin and its products. The stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS) opioids and their receptors is associated with an increase in cardiovascular dynamics. In this study we hypothesized that obesity changed the CNS opioids and their receptors that could play a role in altered cardiovascular and autonomic nervous regulation in obesity. Male Wistar rats were fed either a high fat (HF) or regular chow (control) diet. After 12 weeks, rats were anesthetized and instrumented to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). A blood sample was collected and plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, beta-endorphins were measured. The brains were subsequently processed for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The HF rats were larger and had a greater percentage of body fat. Leptin and insulin levels were also higher in the HF animals. Basal MAP and RSNA were significantly higher in HF rats. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization demonstrated that HF rats had increased hypothalamus mu opioid receptors compared to controls. These studies suggest that HF feeding is associated with increased body fat, plasma leptin, insulin, and hypothalamic mu opioid receptors. The increased mu opioid receptors may contribute to the higher MAP and RSNA observed in HF animals.

Neural regulation of blood pressure by leptin and the related peptides

Recent biological advances make it possible to discover new peptides associated with obesity. Leptin, neuropeptide Y, corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides are known to participate in appetite and feeding behavior. Various lines of evidence suggest that these peptides participate not only in feeding behavior but also in cardiovascular and sympathetic regulations. Both leptin and ghrelin are secreted from the peripheral tissue; then they reach the brain to modulate sympathetic activity. These two peptides seem to play important roles to transmit peripheral metabolic information to the brain, and to convert it to cardiovascular and sympathetic information. Leptin activates neurons containing alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides, resulting in increases in sympathetic activity and blood pressure. Cardiovascular action of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone is mediated through melanocortin-4 receptor, and agouti-related protein (AGRP) plays a role as an endogenous melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist. In contrast, ghrelin and neuropeptide Y in the brain suppress sympathetic activity and decrease blood pressure. Depressor and sympathoinhibitory effects of central neuropeptide Y are inhibited by leptin. Furthermore, central ghrelin modulates baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity and heart rate. Thus, leptin and the related peptides, which participate in appetite and feeding behavior, seem to function together to regulate cardiovascular system and sympathetic nerve activity, and may play a key role in the association between obesity and hypertension.

Role of MC4 receptors in the depressor and bradycardic effects of alpha-MSH in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat

The receptor subtype(s) responsible for the cardiovascular actions of the melanocortins remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the cardiovascular effects of central injection of alpha-MSH and a potent cyclic MC3/4 receptor agonist, MTII, in the presence and absence of the newly developed MC4 receptor selective antagonist, HS014. Both alpha-MSH (250 pmol) and MTII (20-500 pmol) produced a rapid decrease in blood pressure and heart rate after injection into the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of urethane-anaesthetised male Sprague-Dawley rats. These responses were attenuated in a dose-dependent manner by prior local NTS blockade with HS014 (20 or 100 pmol), providing evidence for the role of the MC4 receptor in the cardiovascular changes following NTS injection of melanocortins in the rat.

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone is decreased in plasma of patients with acute brain injury

The neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a proopiomelanocortin derivative that has potent anti-inflammatory influences within the brain. The aim of the present research was to determine if there are changes in blood concentrations of this peptide in patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Concomitantly, we recorded clinical parameters and measured blood concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study--18 had TBI and five SAH. Blood samples for determination of alpha-MSH and TNF-alpha were collected daily from day 1 to day 4 after injury. Baseline concentration of plasma alpha-MSH in patients with acute brain injury of either traumatic or vascular origin was significantly lower than in controls. Patients with TBI or SAH had similar alpha-MSH concentrations and the peptide remained consistently low over four post-injury days. Circulating TNF-alpha on day one was measurable in all patients and there was a negative correlation between plasma TNF-alpha and alpha-MSH. Alpha-MSH was measured again after the acute phase in eight patients. The peptide was substantially increased in all subjects except for two who had an unfavorable outcome. From the well-known protective anti-inflammatory influences of alpha-MSH in the host, reduction in this circulating peptide may have detrimental consequences in brain injury. The data raise the possibility that restoration of normal circulating alpha-MSH through administration of the peptide could be beneficial in patients with brain injury.

Design of novel chimeric melanotropin-deltorphin analogues. Discovery of the first potent human melanocortin 1 receptor antagonist

A number of novel alpha-melanotropin (alpha-MSH) analogues have been designed, synthesized, and assayed for bioactivity at the melanocortin-1 (MC1) receptor from Xenopus frog skin, and selected potent analogues were examined at recombinant human MC1, MC3, and MC4 receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. These ligands were designed from Deltorphin-II, by a new hybrid approach, which incorporates the hydrophobic tail and the address sequence of Deltorphin-II (Glu-Val-Val-Gly-NH(2)) and key pharmacophore elements of melanotropins. Some of the ligands designed, c[Xxx-Yyy-Zzz-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Val-Val-Gly-NH(2) [XXX = nothing, Gly, beta-Ala, gamma-Abu, 6-Ahx; YYY = His, His(3-Bom), (S)-cyclopentylglycine (Cpg); ZZZ = Phe, d-Phe; d-Nal(2')], show high potency at melanocortin receptors. One ligand, GXH-32B-c[beta-Ala-His-d-Nal(2')-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Val-Val-Gly-NH(2), the most potent of the chimeric analogues tested, displayed agonist activity at each of the MC receptor subtypes analyzed, with an EC(50) of 2 nM at the amphibian MC1 receptor. In contrast, GXH-38B-c[Gly-Cpg-d-Nal(2')-Arg-Trp-Glu]-Val-Val-Gly-NH(2) (Cpg = cyclopentyl glycine) was an antagonist with a IC(50) of 43 nM at the amphibian receptor, and among the human subtypes tested, was the most potent at the MC1 receptor subtype where it also acted as an antagonist (K(i) = 53 nM), which is the first potent antagonist discovered for the human MC1 receptor. These results provide strong evidence supporting our hypothesis that ligand scaffolds for different G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) can be used to design ligands for other GPCRs and to design more potent ligands to treat diseases associated with the human MC1 receptor.

Burst-like control of lipolysis by the sympathetic nervous system in vivo

Rapid oscillations of visceral lipolysis have been reported. To examine the putative role of the CNS in oscillatory lipolysis, we tested the effects of beta(3)-blockade on pulsatile release of FFAs. Arterial blood samples were drawn at 1-minute intervals for 120 minutes from fasted, conscious dogs (n = 7) during the infusion of saline or bupranolol (1.5 micro g/kg/min), a high-affinity beta(3)-blocker. FFA and glycerol time series were analyzed and deconvolution analysis was applied to estimate the rate of FFA release. During saline infusion FFAs and glycerol oscillated in phase at about eight pulses/hour. Deconvolution analysis showed bursts of lipolysis (nine pulses/hour) with time-dependent variation in burst frequency. Bupranolol completely removed rapid FFA and glycerol oscillations. Despite removal of lipolytic bursts, plasma FFAs (0.31 mM) and glycerol (0.06 mM) were not totally suppressed and deconvolution analysis revealed persistent non-oscillatory lipolysis (0.064 mM/min). These results show that lipolysis in the fasting state consists of an oscillatory component, which appears to be entirely dependent upon sympathetic innervation of the adipose tissue, and a non-oscillatory, constitutive component, which persists despite beta(3)-blockade. The extinction of lipid fuel bursts by beta(3)-blockade implies a role for the CNS in the maintenance of cyclic provision of lipid fuels.

The effects of beta-endorphin (beta-END) on cardiovascular and behavioral dynamics in conscious rats

Beta-endorphin (beta-END) a product of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) has been demonstrated to play a role in the regulation of metabolic and autonomic responses. Recent studies have suggested the involvement of the endogenous opioid system in cardiovascular control. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory using anesthetized animals investigated the actions of beta-END and other POMC derived peptides on sympathetic and cardiovascular dynamics. In this study, we determined both the acute and chronic effects of beta-END on cardiovascular and behavioral dynamics in conscious unrestrained rats using radio-telemetry. Animals were instrumented with a radio-telemetry transmitter in the abdominal cavity and the attached catheter inserted into the femoral artery for recording of cardiovascular dynamics and activity. They were subsequently implanted with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannulas. The acute ICV administration of beta-END significantly increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) compared to controls. The cardiovascular responses returned toward control levels after 2 h. In contrast, the chronic infusion of beta-END significantly decreased the MAP and HR during both the active and inactive phase. Chronic beta-END administration also decreased physical activity. Food intake was increased initially and later declined and water consumption followed a similar pattern. We conclude that in the conscious unrestrained animal the acute administration of beta-END increases MAP and HR while the chronic infusion of beta-END decreases MAP, HR, physical activity, and stimulate a short-term increase in food and water intake.

Central alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone acts at melanocortin-4 receptor to activate sympathetic nervous system in conscious rabbits

Intracerebroventricular injection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) elicited increases in arterial pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity in conscious rabbits. Pretreatment with intracerebroventricular injection of agouti-related protein, an endogenous melanocortin-3 and 4 receptor antagonist, prevented cardiovascular and sympathetic responses to alpha-MSH. Pretreatment with intracerebroventricular injection of JKC-363, a synthetic specific melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist, also prevented cardiovascular and sympathetic responses to alpha-MSH. In contrast, intravenous alpha-MSH (1 nmol) failed to cause any cardiovascular responses. These results suggest that intracerebroventricularly administered alpha-MSH acts at the melanocortin-4 receptor in the brain and activates sympathetic outflow, resulting in an increase in arterial pressure.