Improved Cutaneous Wound Healing After Intraperitoneal Injection of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone

The study from 2015 examined the impact of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on the healing of skin wounds in mice. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of α-MSH at various doses before being wounded. The dose of 1.0 mg/kg was found to significantly reduce leukocyte infiltration and was selected for further study. The mice treated with α-MSH exhibited enhanced wound healing with reduced scarring, less inflammation, and fewer fibroblasts and mast cells at the wound site. Histological analysis showed improved collagen structure and increased expression of collagen III, indicating a more normal skin-like pattern. The study, which included 6 mice per group, concluded that a single injection of α-MSH before wounding could improve the structure of the new skin layer and decrease scarring, pointing to a potential treatment for reducing scar formation.