GENERAL EFFECTS OF α-MELANOCYTE STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE RABBIT

Abstract

ABSTRACT In addition to the previously described permeability disturbance in the blood aqueous barrier of the eye, measured as an increase of the aqueous flare, a series of transitory systemic effects have been recorded following the subcutaneous injection of synthetic α-MSH: marked increase of the free fatty acids in plasma, decrease in the serum calcium level, decrease in the blood pressure, increase in the skin temperature, increased frequency and diminished amplitude of respiration, presence of slow waves in the EEG. There is a correlation between the magnitude of the aqueous flare increase and the increase of free fatty acids in plasma and also between the aqueous flare and the minimum serum calcium level.