[Campbell Biology P.1065] Based on the provided text, which statement about Melanocyte-stimul... | Practice Question

Based on the provided text, which statement about Melanocyte-stimulating hormone MSH and cachexia is most accurate?

  • A: Blocking the brain receptor for MSH has shown potential in preventing cachexia in mice.
  • B: MSH directly causes cachexia in mammals by stimulating muscle atrophy.
  • C: Cachexia is primarily characterized by increased appetite and muscle gain.
  • D: Prolactin, not MSH, is the primary hormone associated with cachexia according to the text.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'in experiments on mice with mutations that cause cancer and consequently cachexia, treatment with drugs that blocked the brain receptor for MSH prevented cachexia.' This directly supports option A.