Electrical stimulation of neurointermediate lobes of mice elicits calcium-dependent output of melanocyte-stimulating hormone

Current pulses applied to isolated neurointermediate lobes of mice increased output of melanocyte-stimulating hormone. This response was dependent on extracellular calcium over a wide range of stimulus intensities and thus appears to be a true secretory response from the melanotrophs. Since substantial responses persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin, much of the effect seems to be independent of Na spiking.