Role of calcium in the expression of ACTH-Induced stretching, yawning and penile erection

Investigation of stretching behaviour induced by the selective 5‐HT6 receptor antagonist, Ro 04–6790, in rats

“…Stretching and yawning have been reported following central administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) and related peptides ( Gessa et al ., 1967 ). Further investigation into the mechanism surrounding this particular behavioural syndrome has indicated the involvement of a variety of neurotransmitters (acetylcholine; Ferrari et al ., 1963 , dopamine; Ferrari et al ., 1993 ), neuropeptides (morphine; Bertolili & Gessa 1981 ), and inorganic ions such as calcium ( Argiolas et al ., 1990 ) and nitric oxide ( Poggioli et al ., 1995 ). Few other studies, however, have examined stretching and yawning separately, but have scored both behaviours together making comparison with the current data difficult.…”

Role of neuronal and vascular Ca2+‐channels in the ACTH‐induced reversal of haemorrhagic shock

“…Indeed, opioid neuropeptides, which are massively released in shock conditions (Lang et al, 1982;Farrell et al, 1983;Elam et al, 1984;Bernton et al, 1985) and are considered important factors in the pathophysiology and evolution of shock (Holaday, 1983;Bernton et al, 1985), inhibit Ca2+ influx into target neurones and cells (Yamamoto et al, 1978;Guerrero-Munoz et al, 1979), and a number of studies have confirmed an antagonistic interaction between opioids and calcium in a variety of experimental systems (for reviews, see Ross & Cardenas, 1979;Chapman & Way, 1980;Huidobro-Toro & Way, 1983). Conversely, melanocortin peptides increase intracellular calcium concentration in target neurones (for reviews see: Jolles et al, 1980;O'Donohue & Dorsa, 1982;De Wied & Jolles, 1982;Wiegant et al, 1986;Eberle, 1988), and melanocortin-induced behavioural symptoms are antagonized by w-conotoxin (Argiolas et al, 1990).…”

“…The mechanism of action of melanocortin peptides involves the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration in target neurones (for reviews see: Jolles et al, 1980;O'Donohue & Dorsa, 1982;De Wied & Jolles, 1982;Wiegant et al, 1986;Eberle, 1988 It has been shown that blockade of N-type Ca2'-channels by means of w.-conotoxin prevents the behavioural effects of ACTH (Argiolas et al, 1990). Accordingly, we set out to gain further insight into the mechanism(s) of melanocortininduced shock reversal by studying the influence of neuronal N-type and vascular L-type Ca2'-channel blockade on the effect of ACTH-(1-24) in our model of volume-controlled haemorrhagic shock in rats.…”

“…It has been shown that blockade of N-type Ca2'-channels by means of w.-conotoxin prevents the behavioural effects of ACTH (Argiolas et al, 1990). Accordingly, we set out to gain further insight into the mechanism(s) of melanocortininduced shock reversal by studying the influence of neuronal N-type and vascular L-type Ca2'-channel blockade on the effect of ACTH-(1-24) in our model of volume-controlled haemorrhagic shock in rats.…”

Control of Penile Erection by the Melanocortinergic System: Experimental Evidences and Therapeutic Perspectives

“…Therefore, it has been concluded that activation of nitric oxide in the CNS may represent a common pathway in the control of erection by melan‐ocortins, oxytocin, and dopamine. Calcium channels also seem to be involved in melanocortin‐induced penile erection because intracerebroventricular administration of the N‐type calcium channel blocker ω‐conotoxin prevented the erectile effects of ACTH (Argiolas et al, 1990). Microinjection of ω‐conotoxin in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus failed, however, to alter the erection induced by ACTH (Argiolas et al, 1990).…”