Neuroendocrinology

Original Paper

Effects of Cocaine and Pimozide on Plasma and Brain Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Levels in Rats

Sarnyai Z.a · Vecsernyés M.b · Julesz J.b · Szabó G.a · Telegdy G.a

Author affiliations

aInstitute of Pathophysiology bEndocrine Unit of First Department of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary

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Neuroendocrinology 1992;55:9–13

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

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

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

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


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