Neuroendocrinology
Original Paper
Effects of Cocaine and Pimozide on Plasma and Brain Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Levels in RatsSarnyai Z.a · Vecsernyés M.b · Julesz J.b · Szabó G.a · Telegdy G.aaInstitute of Pathophysiology bEndocrine Unit of First Department of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
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Article / Publication Details
Received: March 05, 1990
Accepted: May 21, 1991
Published online: April 07, 2008
Issue release date: 1992
Number of Print Pages: 5
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Abstract
The effects of cocaine on rat plasma and brain α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) levels have been studied by means of a specific radioimmunoassay. The selected brain areas were the hypothalamus, septum-nucleus ac-cumbens and hippocampus. Cocaine given subcutaneously decreased the α-MSH levels in the peripheral blood. Pimozide, a dopaminergic antagonist, had an opposite effect: it increased the α-MSH levels in the peripheral blood. Combined treatment with cocaine + pimozide resulted in a decrease in the pimozide-induced increase in α-MSH levels in the blood. Cocaine and pimozide or the combination of cocaine + pimozide were ineffective on the α-MSH levels in the hypothalamus and septum-accumbens brain regions. In the hippocampus, cocaine in the dose applied induced a slight but not significant decrease in the α-MSH level. Pimozide caused a significant decrease in the hippocampal α-MSH level which disappeared at 60 min. Cocaine prevented the pimozide-induced depletion of α-MSH. The data indicate that cocaine may act as a dopaminergic agonist in the mechanism of control of α-MSH secretion from the intermediate lobe of the pituitary. The α-MSH levels in the brain are controlled by different mechanisms. In some brain areas, the dopaminergic system has no action; in others the mechanisms might be similar to but slightly different from that in the pituitary.
© 1992 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Article / Publication Details
Received: March 05, 1990
Accepted: May 21, 1991
Published online: April 07, 2008
Issue release date: 1992
Number of Print Pages: 5
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0028-3835 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0194 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/NEN
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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