Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) does not modify pentylenetetrazol- and pilocarpine-induced seizures

作者：Temp Fernanda Rossatto; Santos Aline Carre; Marafiga Joseane Righes; Jesse Ana Claudia; Lenz Queli Fernandes; Oliveira Sara Marquesan; Guerra Gustavo Petri; Nieves Scimonelli Teresa; Mello Carlos Fernando^*

来源：Life Sciences, 2013, 93(20): 723-731.

DOI：10.1016/j.lfs.2013.09.006

• Melanocyte-stimulating-hormone
• Central inflammation
• Epilepsy

Aims: Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide involved in different neurological functions that also exerts anti-inflammatory effects, including in the central nervous system (CNS). Although inflammation has been implicated in seizures and epilepsy, no study has systematically investigated whether alpha-MSH modifies seizures. Therefore, in the current study we determined whether alpha-MSH alters pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)- and pilocarpine-induced seizures. %26lt;br%26gt;Main methods: Adult male Swiss mice were injected with alpha-MSH (1.66, 5 or 15 mu g/3 mu L, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)) or systemic (0.1, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)). Five to sixty minutes after the injection of the peptide, animals were injected with PIZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) or pilocarpine (370 mg/kg, i.p.). Latency to myoclonic jerks and tonic-clonic seizures, number of seizure episodes, total time spent seizing and seizure intensity, assessed by the Racine and Meurs scales were recorded. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) levels in the hippocampus were measured by a commercial enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). %26lt;br%26gt;Key findings: Neither intracerebroventricular (1.66, 5 or 15 mu g/3 mu L, i.c.v.) nor systemic (0.1.0.3 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) administration of a-MSH altered PTZ- and pilocarpine-induced seizures. IL-1 beta levels in the hippocampi were not altered by alpha-MSH, PTZ or pilocarpine. %26lt;br%26gt;Significance: Although inflammation has been implicated in seizures and epilepsy and alpha-MSH is a potent anti-inflammatory peptide, our results do not support a role for alpha-MSH in seizure control.

• 出版日期2013-11-6