alpha-MSH within the septal region of the brain has been implicated in fever control; this peptide and ACTH (1-24), which contains the alpha-MSH amino acid sequence, reduce fever when given intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or peripherally. These peptides also cause hypothermia when given in doses larger than those required to reduce fever. Both peptides occur naturally within the preoptic PO region of the brain, the CNS locus of primary temperature control. alpha-MSH (350 ng) injected bilaterally into the PO region via chronic cannulas reduced fever caused in six rabbits by IV injection of IL-1 (interleukin 1, endogenous or leukocyte pyrogen) but had no effect in afebrile animals. A larger dose (1.5 micrograms) not only reduced fever but caused hypothermia in 12 rabbits. In separate experiments PO injections of ACTH (1-24) (1 microgram) reduced normal temperature. In the same six rabbits alpha-MSH (1 microgram) caused slightly smaller hypothermia. alpha-MSH (1.5 micrograms) also had no effect in 8 afebrile rabbits when injected into the septum. The primary conclusion is that alpha-MSH receptors within the PO region can contribute to both the antipyretic and hypothermic actions that are observed after ICV and peripheral administration of the peptide.