Marshaling the anti-inflammatory influence of the neuroimmunomodulator alpha-MSH

Inflammation in peripheral tissues should benefit from a novel focus on des cending neuroimmunomodulatory anti-inflammatory influences stemming from CN S receptors for the peptide alpha-MSH. Because activation of glial and peri pheral cell receptors modulates inflammatory activity, alpha-MSH peptides m ay aid treatment of a variety of CNS and peripheral inflammatory disorders. Activation of melanocortin receptors should thus promote control of inflam matory diseases.