Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in normal human physiology and disease states.
Over the past two decades, research in animal models has indicated that alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, recent data show that the peptide has antimicrobial effects and probably contributes to innate immunity. alpha-MSH, which is produced by many extrapituitary human cells, should no longer be considered solely a pituitary hormone; rather, it should be viewed as a ubiquitous modulatory peptide.
Catania
A
A
Third Division of Internal Medicine, Padiglione Granelli, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, Via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy. anna.catania@unimi.it
Airaghi
L
L
Colombo
G
G
Lipton
J M
JM
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000378:metabolism; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D000521:alpha-MSH