MSH peptides are present in mammalian skin

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

Flat Mount Imaging of Mouse Skin and Its Application to the Analysis of Hair Follicle Patterning and Sensory Axon Morphology
13:58

Flat Mount Imaging of Mouse Skin and Its Application to the Analysis of Hair Follicle Patterning and Sensory Axon Morphology

Published on: June 25, 2014

A J Thody, K Ridley, R J Penny

    Peptides
    |November 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Immunoreactive alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is present in mammalian skin, particularly the human epidermis. Its source is not the pituitary gland, and its role in skin pigmentation remains to be determined.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Endocrinology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a peptide hormone primarily known for its role in regulating pigmentation.
    • The presence and source of alpha-MSH within the skin have not been fully elucidated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the presence and localization of immunoreactive alpha-MSH in mammalian and human skin.
    • To explore the potential source of skin-resident alpha-MSH and its relationship with pigmentation.

    Main Methods:

    • Immunoassay techniques to detect immunoreactive alpha-MSH.
    • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for analyzing alpha-MSH forms.
    • Hypophysectomy in rats to assess pituitary dependence.

    Main Results:

    • Immunoreactive alpha-MSH was detected in human and other mammalian skin, with highest concentrations in the human epidermis.
    • Pituitary removal (hypophysectomy) in rats did not significantly alter skin alpha-MSH levels.
    • HPLC analysis of human skin revealed four distinct peaks of alpha-MSH, including mono-acetylated, des-acetylated, oxidized, and diacetylated forms.

    Conclusions:

    • The pituitary gland is unlikely to be the primary source of alpha-MSH found in the skin.
    • The abundance of alpha-MSH in human epidermis suggests a potential role related to melanocytes or melanin.
    • Further research is needed to establish the specific function and pigmentary significance of skin alpha-MSH.

    More Related Videos

    Subcellular Fractionation for ERK Activation Upon Mitochondrial-derived Peptide Treatment07:55

    Subcellular Fractionation for ERK Activation Upon Mitochondrial-derived Peptide Treatment

    Published on: September 25, 2017

    Immunopeptidomics: Isolation of Mouse and Human MHC Class I- and II-Associated Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis09:32

    Immunopeptidomics: Isolation of Mouse and Human MHC Class I- and II-Associated Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

    Published on: October 15, 2021

    Related Concept Videos

    Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

    Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

    Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
    Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
    Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
    Sensory Functions of the Skin01:16

    Sensory Functions of the Skin

    The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that contribute to the skin's protective function by perceiving physical, biological, and environmental cues and generating relevant responses.
    There are two main categories of receptors on the skin: capsulated and non-capsulated. The non-capsulated ones are mainly the pain receptors. The capsulated ones can be further categorized based on the...
    Papillary Dermis01:11

    Papillary Dermis

    Dermis
    The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
    Papillary Layer
    The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
    The Skin Microbiota01:27

    The Skin Microbiota

    The human skin serves as a complex ecosystem inhabited by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining skin health and defending against pathogenic invaders. The composition of microbial communities varies significantly across different regions of the body, influenced primarily by the local levels of moisture and sebum.Regional Variation in Skin MicrobiotaCutibacterium acnes predominantly colonizes sebaceous...