Evidence for the role of alpha-MSH in the induction of pseudopregnancy in the rat

Neuroendocrinology
M Volosin, M E Celis

Abstract

In a previous study we have demonstrated that cervical stimulation (CS) induces alpha-MSH release. The present experiments were undertaken to (1) examine the pattern of serum alpha-MSH during CS-induced pseudopregnancy (PSP) and (2) assess the possibility that alpha-MSH contributes to the induction and maintenance of PSP. Throughout PSP serum alpha-MSH fluctuated in a cyclic manner demonstrating two daily surges which occurred between 12.00 and 13.00 h (diurnal surge) and between 24.00 and 04.00 h (nocturnal surge). Chronic exposure of animals to alpha-MSH administered via minipumps (24 micrograms/day, starting on the morning of estrus), induced PSP as determined by deciduoma formation and persistence of a characteristic diestrous vaginal cytology. Furthermore, insertion of an alpha-MSH-containing minipump at diestrus 1 (D1) resulted in progesterone and prolactin (PRL) levels on the afternoon of diestrus 2 (D2) similar to those levels found on day 2 of PSP. Uterine weight was significantly decreased in alpha-MSH-treated rats and pseudopregnant rats as compared with cyclic D2 controls. alpha-MSH was found to release PRL indirectly, through stimulation of adrenal progesterone. This effect, however, necessitates the presence of th...Continue Reading

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