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The Molecular Pharmacology of Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

Structure—Activity Relationships for Melanotropins at Melanocortin Receptors

  • Chapter
The Melanocortin Receptors

Part of the book series: The Receptors ((REC))

Abstract

α-Melanotropin (α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, α-MSH), Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2, is one of the first peptide hormones isolated from the pituitary gland. The biologic functions of α-MSH and structure-activity relationships of α-MSH analogues before 1993 have been extensively researched and reviewed (1–12). This hormone plays a well-known and principal role in pigmentation. Other effects ascribed to this hormone include:

  1. 1.

    Regulation of the release of pituitary and peripheral hormones, such as somatostatin and corticotropin

  2. 2.

    Sebotrophic effects, adrenal steroidogenesis, immune response, and cardiovascular and metabolic effects

  1. 3.

    Important roles in the nervous system, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS)

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Authors
  1. Victor J. Hruby
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  2. Guoxia Han
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA

    Roger D. Cone

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Hruby, V.J., Han, G. (2000). The Molecular Pharmacology of Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone. In: Cone, R.D. (eds) The Melanocortin Receptors. The Receptors. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-031-5_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-031-5_8

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61737-082-3

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