ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIONS OF THE NEUROIMMUNOMODULATOR ALPHA-MSH

alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is an endogenous neur oimmunomodulatory peptide that inhibits fever and all major forms of e xperimental inflammation. In humans, concentrations of alpha-MSH are i ncreased at sites of inflammation, and in plasma in inflammatory disor ders and after injection of endotoxin. The effects of this 'anti-cytok ine' peptide are mediated through alpha-MSH receptors and regulatory c ircuits in macrophages and neutrophils, and through descending neural anti-inflammatory pathways that originate from alpha-MSH receptors on neurons within the brain.