Intracranial administration of corticotropin-like peptides increases incidence of amphibian reproductive behavior

Peptides. 1983 Sep-Oct;4(5):729-33. doi: 10.1016/0196-9781(83)90027-x.

Abstract

Male rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) exhibit an increase in sexual behavior (amplectic clasping) following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH 1-39), ACTH 4-10, or melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha MSH). In contrast, intraperitoneal (IP) administration of ACTH 1-39 or corticosterone significantly decreases the incidence of sexual behavior in male newts. These results suggest that a corticotropin-like peptide acts centrally to enhance sexual behavior and that systemic ACTH acts on the interrenal tissue to inhibit sexual behavior by stimulating the release of corticosterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Peptide Fragments / pharmacology*
  • Salamandridae / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Peptide Fragments
  • ACTH (1-4)
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones