ALPHA-MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE AND ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE

alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) is an endogenous anti-infla mmatory cytokine that inhibits all major forms of inflammation. alpha- MSH level is increased at sites of inflammation in humans, and is prod uced in the pituitary and in macrophages. The effects of alpha-MSH are mediated by melanocortin receptors found on macrophages, neutrophils, and renal tubules. alpha-MSH inhibited ischemic acute renal failure i n mice and rats, even when started 6 h after injury. alpha-MSH acts, i n part, by inhibiting the maladaptive activation of genes that cause i nflammatory and cytotoxic renal injury. However, alpha-MSH is effectiv e even in the absence of neutrophils, suggesting that alpha-MSH also a cts directly on renal tubules. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 7:413-417. (C) 1998 Lippincott-Raven Publishers.