Expression of Melanocortin Receptors on Cutaneous Fibroblastic Cells – Collagen and Beyond

The study demonstrated that melanocortin receptor 1 (MC-1R) was expressed in various fibroblastic skin cell types from adult human skin, including dermal fibroblasts, dermal papilla cells, and connective tissue sheath fibroblasts of the hair follicle. The expression was confirmed through RT-PCR and immunofluorescence studies. The research highlighted that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) could suppress collagen synthesis induced by transforming growth factor-β 1 and modulate the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by interferon-γ in fibroblasts. These findings suggested that MC-1R might play a role in inflammatory disorders affecting skin connective tissue and indicated potential functions of melanocortins in fibroblasts beyond collagen synthesis.