Detection of Functionally Active Melanocortin Receptors and Evidence for an Immunoregulatory Activity of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone in Human Dermal Papilla Cells
August 2005
in “
Endocrinology
”
TLDR αMSH may help regulate immune responses in hair follicles and its disruption could lead to hair loss.
The study investigated the expression and role of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are crucial for regulating hair follicle activity. It was found that these cells expressed POMC and were immunoreactive for ACTH, αMSH, and β-endorphin. Human DPCs expressed functionally active melanocortin-1 and melanocortin-4 receptors, as evidenced by αMSH-induced increases in intracellular cAMP and calcium. The study also demonstrated that αMSH could counteract the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 induced by interferon-γ, suggesting an immunoregulatory role. The findings indicated that αMSH might regulate immune and inflammatory responses in the hair follicle, and its disruption could contribute to inflammatory alopecia.
