Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) But Not Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) as a Mediator of Adrenalectomy-Induced Hair Growth in Mink

April 1998 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

Jack Rose

adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone α-MSH adrenalectomy anagen telogen phase steroid hormone metabolism

TLDR ACTH promotes hair growth in mink, but α-MSH does not.

The study investigated the role of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in inducing hair growth in mink during the summer telogen phase. Eight adult female mink were used, with four receiving intradermal injections of ACTH and the other four receiving α-MSH. Results showed that ACTH induced hair growth and pigmentation at the injection site, while α-MSH did not. This suggested that ACTH, but not α-MSH, mediated adrenalectomy-induced anagen in mink, likely by acting directly on the skin. The study proposed that ACTH might influence steroid hormone metabolism in the skin, similar to the adrenal gland, contributing to seasonal hair growth cycles in mink.

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