Abstract
Functional changes in DA neurons of male rats were assessed by microfluorimetry. The tuberoinfundibular DA neurons which control MSH secretion, were most affected by α-MSH and its typical C-terminal active site (in α-MSH 11–13); the response persisted after hypophysectomy. The nigral DA neurons were most sensitive to a behaviorally more potent compound, 4-Met (O 2), 8-D-Lys, 9-Phe-ACTH 4–9. They responded to ACTH 4–10 as well as α-MSH 11–13. Differences between sexes and the effect of hypophysectomy point to interactions with other hormone axes in the case of the nigral system. The results indicate a differential responsiveness of the DA neuron groups which appears to be linked with endocrine and behavioral functions.
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