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Ulya T, Ardianto C, Anggreini P, Budiatin AS, Setyawan D, Khotib J. Quercetin promotes behavioral recovery and biomolecular changes of melanocortin-4 receptor in mice with ischemic stroke. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 32:349-355. [PMID: 34214302 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ischemic stroke is known as a common causes of disability, lower psychological well-being as well as preventable death. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke process becomes worse immediately after oxidative stress occurs. One of the flavonoids with antioxidant abilities is quercetin. This study was aimed to investigate quercetin administration on the behavioral functions (motor and sensory) and expression of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in mice with ischemic stroke. METHODS Male ICR mice were divided into sham, stroke, stroke with quercetin 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg. The stroke model was performed by blocking the left common carotid artery for 2 h. Quercetin was intraperitoneally administered daily for seven days. Evaluation was conducted during two weeks after induction using ladder rung walking test and narrow beam test for motoric function and adhesive removal tape test for sensory function. On day-14 mice were sacrificed, MC4R expression in the dorsal striatum was determined using RT-PCR. RESULTS Stroke decreased the motor, sensory function and MC4R mRNA expression in dorsal striatum. Quercetin improved motor and sensory function, and upregulated expression of MC4R. CONCLUSIONS Quercetin administration after ischemic stroke improves behavioral function, possibly through the upregulation of MC4R in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhfatul Ulya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Putri Anggreini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Dwi Setyawan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Junaidi Khotib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Semple E, Shalabi F, Hill JW. Oxytocin Neurons Enable Melanocortin Regulation of Male Sexual Function in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6310-6323. [PMID: 30756300 PMCID: PMC6684847 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin pathway has been implicated in both metabolism and sexual function. When the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is knocked out globally, male mice display obesity, low sexual desire, and copulatory difficulties; however, it is unclear whether these phenotypes are interdependent. To elucidate the neuronal circuitry involved in sexual dysfunction in MC4R knockouts, we re-expressed the MC4R in these mice exclusively on Sim1 neurons (tbMC4RSim1 mice) or on a subset of Sim1 neurons, namely oxytocin neurons (tbMC4Roxt mice). The groups were matched at young ages to control for the effects of obesity. Interestingly, young MC4R null mice had no deficits in sexual motivation or erectile function. However, MC4R null mice were found to have an increased latency to reach ejaculation compared to control mice, which was restored in both tbMC4RSim1 and tbMC4Roxt mice. These results indicate that melanocortin signaling via the MC4R on oxytocin neurons is important for normal ejaculation independent of the male's metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Semple
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Firas Shalabi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
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Chen S, Zhao L, Sherchan P, Ding Y, Yu J, Nowrangi D, Tang J, Xia Y, Zhang JH. Activation of melanocortin receptor 4 with RO27-3225 attenuates neuroinflammation through AMPK/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:106. [PMID: 29642894 PMCID: PMC5896146 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced secondary brain injury. Activation of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) has been shown to elicit anti-inflammatory effects in many diseases. The objective of this study was to explore the role of MC4R activation on neuroinflammation in a mouse ICH model and to investigate the contribution of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway in MC4R-mediated protection. Methods Adult male CD1 mice (n = 189) were subjected to intrastriatal injection of bacterial collagenase or sham surgery. The selective MC4R agonist RO27-3225 was administered by intraperitoneal injection at 1 h after collagenase injection. The specific MC4R antagonist HS024 and selective AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin were administered prior to RO27-3225 treatment to elucidate potential mechanism. Short- and long-term neurobehavioral assessments, brain water content, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot were performed. Results The expression of MC4R and p-AMPK increased after ICH with a peak at 24 h. MC4R was expressed by microglia, neurons, and astrocytes. Activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 improved the neurobehavioral functions, decreased brain edema, and suppressed microglia/macrophage activation and neutrophil infiltration after ICH. RO27-3225 administration increased the expression of MC4R and p-AMPK while decreasing p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression, which was reversed with inhibition of MC4R and AMPK. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 attenuated neuroinflammation through AMPK-dependent inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby reducing brain edema and improving neurobehavioral functions after experimental ICH in mice. Therefore, the activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 may be a potential therapeutic approach for ICH management. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-018-1140-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Lianhua Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin TEDA Hospital, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Derek Nowrangi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China.
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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Multiple beneficial effects of melanocortin MC 4 receptor agonists in experimental neurodegenerative disorders: Therapeutic perspectives. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 148:40-56. [PMID: 27916623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides induce neuroprotection in acute and chronic experimental neurodegenerative conditions. Melanocortins likewise counteract systemic responses to brain injuries. Furthermore, they promote neurogenesis by activating critical signaling pathways. Melanocortin-induced long-lasting improvement in synaptic activity and neurological performance, including learning and memory, sensory-motor orientation and coordinated limb use, has been consistently observed in experimental models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Evidence indicates that the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of melanocortins, as well as the protection against systemic responses to a brain injury, are mediated by brain melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptors, through an involvement of the vagus nerve. Here we discuss the targets and mechanisms underlying the multiple beneficial effects recently observed in animal models of neurodegeneration. We comment on the potential clinical usefulness of melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
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Mountjoy KG. Distribution and function of melanocortin receptors within the brain. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 681:29-48. [PMID: 21222258 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6354-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Biological responses to pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides administered in the brain were documented in the 1950s but their molecular mechanisms of action only began to be resolved with the mapping of melanocortin receptor subtypes to specific brain regions in the 1990s. Out of the five melanocortin receptor subtypes, MC3R and MC4R are widely recognised as 'neural' melanocortin receptors. In situ hybridization anatomical mapping of these receptor subtypes to distinct hypothalamic nuclei first indicated their roles in energy homeostasis, roles that were later confirmed with the obese phenotypes exhibited by Mc3R and Mc4R knockout mice. It is perhaps less well known however, that all five melanocortin receptor subtypes have been detected in developing and/or adult brains of various species. This chapter provides a comprehensive summary of the detection and mapping of each melanocortin receptor subtype in mammalian, chicken and fish brains and relates the sites of expression to functions that are either known or proposed for each receptor subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen G Mountjoy
- Departments of Physiology and Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
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Lasaga M, Debeljuk L, Durand D, Scimonelli TN, Caruso C. Role of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and melanocortin 4 receptor in brain inflammation. Peptides 2008; 29:1825-35. [PMID: 18625277 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2008] [Revised: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory processes contribute widely to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The expression of many inflammatory mediators was found to be increased in central nervous system (CNS) disorders suggesting that these molecules are major contributors to neuronal damage. Melanocortins are neuropeptides that have been implicated in a wide range of physiological processes. The melanocortin alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has pleiotropic functions and exerts potent anti-inflammatory actions by antagonizing the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by decreasing important inflammatory mediators. Five subtypes of melanocortin receptors (MC1R-MC5R) have been identified. Of these, the MC4 receptor is expressed predominantly throughout the CNS. Evidence of effectiveness of selective MC4R agonists in modulating inflammatory processes and their low toxicity suggest that these molecules may be useful in the treatment of CNS disorders with an inflammatory component. This review describes the involvement of the MC4R in central anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortins and discusses the potential value of MC4R agonists for the treatment of inflammatory-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Lasaga
- Research Institute for Reproduction, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121ABG, Argentina.
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Catania A. Neuroprotective actions of melanocortins: a therapeutic opportunity. Trends Neurosci 2008; 31:353-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Caruso C, Durand D, Schiöth HB, Rey R, Seilicovich A, Lasaga M. Activation of melanocortin 4 receptors reduces the inflammatory response and prevents apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide and interferon-gamma in astrocytes. Endocrinology 2007; 148:4918-26. [PMID: 17595227 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-MSH exerts an immunomodulatory action in the brain and may play a neuroprotective role acting through melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4Rs). In the present study, we show that MC4Rs are constitutively expressed in astrocytes as determined by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis. alpha-MSH (5 microm) reduced the nitric oxide production and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 microg/ml) plus interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma, 50 ng/ml) in cultured astrocytes after 24 h. alpha-MSH also attenuated the stimulatory effect of LPS/IFN-gamma on prostaglandin E(2) release and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. Treatment with HS024, a selective MC4R antagonist, blocked the antiinflammatory effects of alpha-MSH, suggesting a MC4R-mediated mechanism in the action of this melanocortin. In astrocytes, LPS/IFN-gamma treatment reduced cell viability, increased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells and activated caspase-3. alpha-MSH prevented these apoptotic events, and this cytoprotective effect was abolished by HS024. LPS/IFN-gamma decreased Bcl-2, whereas it increased Bax protein expression in astrocytes, thus increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Alpha-MSH produced a shift in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio toward astrocyte survival because it increased Bcl-2 expression and also prevented the effect of LPS/IFN-gamma on Bax and Bcl-2 expression. In summary, these findings suggest that alpha-MSH, through MC4R activation, attenuates LPS/IFN-gamma-induced inflammation by decreasing iNOS and COX-2 expression and prevents LPS/IFN-gamma-induced apoptosis of astrocytes by modulating the expression of proteins of the Bcl-2 family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Caruso
- Centro de Investigaciones en Reproducción, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121ABG, Argentina
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Giuliani D, Ottani A, Mioni C, Bazzani C, Galantucci M, Minutoli L, Bitto A, Zaffe D, Botticelli AR, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Neuroprotection in focal cerebral ischemia owing to delayed treatment with melanocortins. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 570:57-65. [PMID: 17588564 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Revised: 05/04/2007] [Accepted: 05/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In gerbils subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia, melanocortin peptides produce long-lasting protection with a broad time window, and through the activation of central nervous system melanocortin MC(4) receptors. Here we aimed to investigate whether melanocortins are neuroprotective also in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia induced by intrastriatal microinjection of endothelin-1. The vasoconstrictor agent endothelin-1 caused a significant impairment in spatial learning and memory, as well as in sensory-motor orientation and limb use, associated with severe striatal morphological damage including intense neuronal death and an almost complete myelin degradation. Treatment of ischemic rats with a nanomolar dose (340 microg/kg/day i.p. for 11 days, beginning 3 h or 9 h after endothelin-1 microinjection) of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-alpha-MSH) significantly reduced striatal damage, and improved subsequent functional recovery, with all scheduled NDP-alpha-MSH treatments. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC(4) receptors prevented the protective effect of NDP-alpha-MSH. Our findings give evidence that melanocortins are neuroprotective, with a broad time window, also in a severe model of focal cerebral ischemia, and suggest that melanocortin MC(4) receptor agonists could produce neuroprotection in different experimental models of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B Tatro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Box 268, Tufts-New England Medical Center, and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
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Forslin Aronsson S, Spulber S, Popescu LM, Winblad B, Post C, Oprica M, Schultzberg M. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is neuroprotective in rat global cerebral ischemia. Neuropeptides 2006; 40:65-75. [PMID: 16414116 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2005] [Revised: 10/17/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), on the neurodegeneration following global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in the rat. The biological activities of alpha-MSH include inhibition of inflammatory responses and anti-pyretic effects. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) global cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion, and treated with alpha-MSH (intraperitoneally, i.p.) at 30 min, and 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post-ischemia. Stereological quantification of the pyramidal cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus showed that the number of viable neurons in ischemic rats was 96,945+/-18,610 (means+/-SD) as compared to 183,156+/-49,935 in sham-operated rats (P<0.05). The number of viable neurons after treatment of ischemic rats with alpha-MSH was 162,829+/-34,757, i.e. significantly different from the number of viable neurons in ischemic rats injected with saline (P<0.01). Astrocyte proliferation due to the ischemic insult was markedly reduced by the treatment with alpha-MSH, and the loss in body weight was reduced by alpha-MSH. In conclusion, post-ischemic administration of alpha-MSH was found to provide neuroprotection in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer in the hippocampus, concomitant with a reduction in glial activation, indicating that alpha-MSH or mimetics thereof may have a potential in the treatment of stroke or other neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies will be required to define the post-ischemic time window for administration of alpha-MSH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Forslin Aronsson
- Division of Experimental Geriatrics, Neurotec Department, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Novum, KFC, Level 4, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Muceniece R, Zvejniece L, Kirjanova O, Liepinsh E, Krigere L, Vilskersts R, Baumane L, Gordjusina V, Kalvinsh I, Wikberg JES, Dambrova M. Beta-MSH inhibits brain inflammation via MC(3)/(4) receptors and impaired NF-kappaB signaling. J Neuroimmunol 2005; 169:13-9. [PMID: 16154641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2005] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory effects of melanocortin peptides have been demonstrated in different inflammation models. This is the first report describing the molecular mechanisms for the beta-MSH-induced suppression of bacterial lipopolisaccharide (LPS)-caused brain inflammation. We found that beta-MSH suppresses LPS-induced nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB, and inhibits the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the following nitric oxide overproduction in the brain, in vivo. Moreover, administering the preferentially MC(4) receptor selective antagonist HS014 blocked completely these effects, suggesting a tentative MC(4) receptor mediated mechanism of action for the beta-MSH. However, as HS014 shows quite low selectivity vis-à-vis the MC(3) receptor, a role for the MC(3) receptor cannot be excluded. In conclusion, our results show that beta-MSH is capable of inhibiting brain inflammation via activation of melanocortin receptors, of the subtypes 4 and/or 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Muceniece
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, Sarlotes St. 1a, Riga, LV-1001, Latvia.
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Sharma HS, Lundstedt T, Flärdh M, Westman J, Post C, Skottner A. Low molecular weight compounds with affinity to melanocortin receptors exert neuroprotection in spinal cord injury--an experimental study in the rat. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2004; 86:399-405. [PMID: 14753476 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0651-8_84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
The possibility that five new low molecular weight compounds with varying affinity and selectivity to the melanocortin receptors will exert neuroprotective effects in the spinal cord injury (SCI) induced edema formation and cell damage was examined in a rat model. A focal trauma of the rat spinal cord made by an incision into the right dorsal horn (T10-11) resulted in profound edema formation, leakage of Evans blue albumin and cell injury of the T9 segment at 5 h. Topical application of the Melacure compound ME10501 in high doses (10 microg in 10 microl) given 5 min after SCI resulted in most significant neuroprotection of the T9 segment of the cord compared to other compounds. Thus, marked reduction in water content, leakage of Evans blue albumin, and cell injury were observed in ME10501 treated traumatised rats. These observations suggest that the non-peptide compound ME10501 with affinity to the melanocortin receptor MC4 is capable to induce neuroprotection in the spinal cord following trauma not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Sharma
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Huang Q, Tatro JB. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone suppresses intracerebral tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta gene expression following transient cerebral ischemia in mice. Neurosci Lett 2002; 334:186-90. [PMID: 12453626 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(02)01088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Following stroke, an intracerebral inflammatory response develops that may contribute to postischemic central nervous system injury. This study's objective was to determine whether the anti-inflammatory neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) can suppress postischemic activation of intracerebral tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) gene expression. Ipsilateral TNF-alpha levels were increased in cerebrocortical territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) following transient unilateral MCA occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion in mice, and systemic alpha-MSH treatment (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) suppressed this increase. Systemic alpha-MSH treatment also inhibited the marked increases in cortical TNF-alpha and IL-1beta mRNA levels following MCAO, and reduced the intracerebral TNF-alpha protein levels seen after transient global ischemia. We conclude that alpha-MSH treatment suppresses intracerebral proinflammatory cytokine gene expression following transient cerebral ischemia, suggesting that systemically administered melanocortins may exert neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinheng Huang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine and the Tupper Research Institute, Tufts-New England Medical Center, 750 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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