Abstract
alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a modified fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, derives from the same biosynthetic route as beta-endorphin and is stored by the same arcuate neurons. Microinjection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and several related peptides into the periaqueductal gray matter significantly reduced responsiveness to pain and had a behavioral profile similar to that produced by beta-endorphin.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology*
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Analgesia
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Animals
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Brain / drug effects*
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Cerebral Aqueduct
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Endorphins / pharmacology*
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Male
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Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / pharmacology*
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Pain / physiopathology*
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Pituitary Hormones, Anterior / metabolism*
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin
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Protein Precursors / pharmacology*
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Rats
Substances
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Endorphins
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Pituitary Hormones, Anterior
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Protein Precursors
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Pro-Opiomelanocortin
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Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
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Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones