Melanin-concentrating hormone and its receptor are expressed and functional in human skin.
In this study, we have demonstrated the presence of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and melanin-concentrating hormone receptor (MCHR1) transcripts in human skin. Sequence analysis confirmed that the transcripts of both genes were identical to those previously found in human brain. In culture, endothelial cells showed pro-MCH expression whereas no signal was found in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. MCHR1 expression was restricted to melanocytes and melanoma cells. Stimulation of cultured human melanocytes with MCH reduced the alpha-MSH-induced increase in cAMP production. Furthermore, the melanogenic actions of alpha-MSH were inhibited by MCH. We propose that the MCH/MCHR1 signalling system is present in human skin and may have a role with the melanocortins in regulating the melanocyte.
Hoogduijn
Martin J
MJ
Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK. M.Hoogduijn@bradford.ac.uk
Ancans
Janis
J
Suzuki
Itaru
I
Estdale
Siân
S
Thody
Anthony J
AJ
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008543:Melanins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D000521:alpha-MSH / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D008543:Melanins; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011979:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; C092274:melanin-concentrating hormone receptor; D000521:alpha-MSH; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone; D000242:Cyclic AMP