title: The melanocortin system in leukocyte biology.
abstract: The melanocortin system is composed of the melanocortin peptides, adrenocorticotropic hormone and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the melanocortin receptors (MCRs), and the endogenous antagonists agouti- and agouti-related protein. Melanocortin peptides exert multiple effects upon the host, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Leukocytes are a source of melanocortins and a major target for these peptides. Because of reduced translocation of the nuclear factor NF-kappaB to the nucleus, MCR activation by their ligands causes a collective reduction of the most important molecules involved in the inflammatory process. This review examines how melanocortin peptides and their receptors participate in leukocyte biology.
authors.affiliation: Center for Preclinical Investigation, Padiglione Granelli, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Via F Sforza 35, Milano, Italy. anna.catania@unimi.it
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Catania
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D053486:Melanocortins / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018448:Models, Immunological; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D044101:Receptors, Melanocortin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D053486:Melanocortins; D016328:NF-kappa B; D044101:Receptors, Melanocortin