6533b7d7fe1ef96bd126847c

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Opposite effects of γ1- and γ2-melanocyte stimulating hormone on regulation of the dopaminergic mesolimbic system in rats

Vija KlusaLena BergströmJonas LindblomSimons SvirskisJarl E. S. WikbergBaiba Jansone

subject

Malemedicine.medical_specialtyMelanocyte-stimulating hormoneDopamineNucleus accumbensBiologyNucleus AccumbensRats Sprague-Dawleygamma-MSHchemistry.chemical_compoundDopamineInternal medicineNeural PathwaysLimbic SystemmedicineAnimalsNeurotransmitterBrain ChemistryNeuronsGeneral NeuroscienceVentral Tegmental AreaDopaminergicRatsUp-RegulationVentral tegmental areaEndocrinologymedicine.anatomical_structurechemistryCatecholamine34-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acidmedicine.drugHormone

description

By use of the brain microdialysis technique we show that administration of gamma(1)-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma(1)-MSH) into the ventral tegmental area of anaesthetized rats causes an increase in the release of extracellular dopamine and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the nucleus accumbens, while gamma(2)-MSH causes the opposite effect. Moreover, gamma(2)-MSH pre-treatment considerably reduced the gamma(1)-MSH-induced effects. Our findings suggest an opposing action of two gamma-MSH-activated pathways on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system, which could be important in the maintenance of a balanced psychoactivation state.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2004-05-12Neuroscience Letters
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2003.12.006