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α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Inhibits Allergic Airway Inflammation

Rapp U, Brzoska T, Sohl S +6 more2003The Journal of ImmunologyJournal Article
10.4049/jimmunol.171.1.353PubMedFree full text
CardiovascularEndocrine (ADH/ACTH/MSH)GastrointestinalHypothalamic-PituitaryImmune/InnateMusculoskeletalNeurologicalOcularRespiratory/Sinus
ActinomycetesBacterial EndotoxinsIndoor Mold (Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, etc.)MycotoxinsVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Water-Damaged Buildings (WDB)

Abstract

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a neuropeptide controlling melanogenesis in pigmentary cells. In addition, its potent immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive activity has been recently described in cutaneous inflammatory disorders. Whether alpha-MSH is also produced in the lung and might play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung conditions, including allergic bronchial asthma, is unknown. Production and functional role of alpha-MSH were investigated in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation. alpha-MSH production was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Although aerosol challenges stimulate alpha-MSH production in nonsensitized mice, this rapid and marked stimulation was absent in allergic animals. Treatment of allergic mice with alpha-MSH resulted in suppression of airway inflammation. These effects were mediated via IL-10 production, because IL-10 knockout mice were resistant to alpha-MSH treatment. This study provides evidence for a novel function of alpha-MSH linking neuroimmune functions in allergic airway inflammation.

Key Biomarkers

Alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)Immunoglobulin E (IgE)LeptinMatrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)

Symptom Clusters

Appetite swingsConfusionCoughDifficulty with concentrationExcessive thirstFatigueFrequent urinationHeadacheJoint painLight sensitivityMemory lossMood swingsMuscle achesNight sweatsShortness of breathSinus congestionTingling in extremitiesWord finding difficulty

Cited By (10)

  • α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone and Related Tripeptides: Biochemistry, Antiinflammatory and Protective Effects in Vitro and in Vivo, and Future Perspectives for the Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory DiseasesEndocrine Reviews
  • Sick building syndrome (SBS) and exposure to water-damaged buildings: Time series study, clinical trial and mechanismsNeurotoxicology and Teratology · 2006
  • α-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Prevents Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Vasculitis by Down-Regulating Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ExpressionEndocrinology · 2003
  • Relevance and consequence of chronic inflammation for obesity developmentMolecular and Cellular Pediatrics · 2023
  • The melanocortin system in control of inflammationThe Scientific World JOURNAL · 2010
  • Targeting melanocortin receptors as potential novel therapeuticsPharmacology & Therapeutics · 2006
  • The multifunctional human ocular melanocortin system

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    • References (8)

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