Peripheral influences on central melanocortin neurons
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
1Department of Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 ONN, UK.
Abstract:
The melanocortins are peptide products of post-translational processing of the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor protein. Melanocortin-expressing neurons are found in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brain stem. The central melanocortin system is involved in a number of biological functions, including regulation of energy homeostasis. Hypothalamic and brain stem circuits interpret and integrate a number of peripheral inputs to provide a coordinated central response. This review examines the effect of these peripheral signals on central melanocortin signaling.
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