Evidence for alpha-MSH binding sites on human scalp hair follicles: preliminary results

Alpha-MSH, considered an important pigmentation hormone, binds to melanocytes and is thought to stimulate melanogenesis through a cyclic-AMP-dependent mechanism. The binding of alpha-MSH to follicular melanocytes has been investigated in human hair of different colors, ranging from black to blond and senile white. Hairs were plucked, the follicles were cut off, and an alpha-MSH binding assay, using a radiolabeled alpha-MSH analogue, was performed on these bulbs. As controls of each assay, fragments of hairs of the same person were used. The results show a dose-response relationship and the assay seems to be specific for alpha-MSH, because other peptides such as ACTH, beta-LPH and beta-endorphins do not compete for binding sites as alpha-MSH does. These binding sites seem to be present only on melanin synthesizing melanocytes, since the controls and follicles of senile white hair, which do not contain active melanocytes, show negative results. All the assays were performed on raw material, i.e., whole plucked hair follicles. This is the first time that binding sites for alpha-MSH have been demonstrated on human scalp hair follicles. In addition, their presence was found to be associated with active melanin production; their absence was demonstrated on senile white hair follicles.