Abstract
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.
MeSH terms
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Cells, Cultured
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Cyclic AMP / biosynthesis
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Humans
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Hypothalamic Hormones / biosynthesis*
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Hypothalamic Hormones / genetics
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Hypothalamic Hormones / pharmacology
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Hypothalamic Hormones / physiology*
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Melanins / biosynthesis*
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Melanins / genetics
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Melanins / pharmacology
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Melanins / physiology*
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Melanocytes / drug effects
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Melanocytes / metabolism
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Pituitary Hormones / biosynthesis*
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Pituitary Hormones / genetics
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Pituitary Hormones / pharmacology
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Pituitary Hormones / physiology*
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / biosynthesis*
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Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / genetics
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Receptors, Pituitary Hormone / physiology*
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Skin / cytology
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Skin / metabolism*
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Transcription, Genetic
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
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alpha-MSH / antagonists & inhibitors
Substances
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Hypothalamic Hormones
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Melanins
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Pituitary Hormones
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Pituitary Hormone
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melanin-concentrating hormone receptor
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alpha-MSH
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melanin-concentrating hormone
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Cyclic AMP