Synthetic melanocyte stimulating hormone release-inhibiting factor (MIF). Part III: effect of L-prolyl-N-methyl-D-leucyl-glycinamide and MIF on biogenic amine turnover.

The effect of the factor that inhibits the release of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), i.e., L-prolyl-L-leucyl-glycinamide (MIF), and L-prolyl-N-methyl-D-leucyl-glycinamide, an analog, on brain norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) turnover was examined in rats. The analog (40 mg/kg i.p.), in a fashion similar to MIF (40 and 5 mg/kg i.p.), increased brain DA turnover; only MIF (40 mg/kg i.p.) increased endogenous DA levels. The analog (40 and 5 mg/kg i.p.) decreased brain NE turnover; MIF at the same doses was ineffective. Neither MIF nor the analog affected rat brain 5-HT turnover or the 5-HTP-induced behavioural syndrome in the mouse. These results indicate that the analog, like MIF, exerts effects on central catecholamine turnover. The different biochemical profile of the analog compared to MIF may be importance with regard to potential clinical use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and depression.