Evidence for Homologous Actions of Pro-Opiocortin Products

Abstract
Alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), a modified fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone, derives from the same biosynthetic route as beta-endorphin and is stored by the same arcuate neurons. Microinjection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and several related peptides into the periaqueductal gray matter significantly reduced responsiveness to pain and had a behavioral profile similar to that produced by beta-endorphin.