Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
The natriuretic mechanism of Gamma-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone
Paru P Kathpalia1, Carol Charlton, Madhumitha Rajagopal
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States.
Abstract:
Gamma-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (Gamma-MSH) regulates sodium (Na(+)) balance and blood pressure through activation of the melanocortin receptor 3 (MC3-R). The mechanism of the natriuretic effect is proposed to involve binding of MC3-R either in the kidney to directly inhibit tubular Na(+) transport or in the brain to inhibit central neural pathways that control renal tubular Na(+) absorption. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism involved in the natriuretic effect of Gamma-MSH on MC3-R in kidney cells. In Ussing chamber studies, we observed no effects of Gamma-MSH on NaCl transport in the mouse inner medullary collecting duct cell line (mIMCD-K2). We also found that neither MC3-R protein nor mRNA was expressed in mouse kidney, suggesting that renal Gamma-MSH action may not be mediated through direct effects on tubular Na(+) transport but rather through effects on central neural pathways that innervate the kidney.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
GPCR Desensitization
Secondary Messengers in Hormone Action
Many hormones bind to transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors that connect to regulatory G proteins. These G proteins can then activate enzymes such as adenylyl cyclase or phospholipase C. Adenylyl cyclase converts ATP to cAMP, activating...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
