Hair Melanocytes as Neuro-Endocrine Sensors—Pigments for Our Imagination

October 2005 in “ Molecular and cellular endocrinology ”

Desmond J. Tobin, Söbia Kauser

melanocytes neuro-endocrine sensors corticotrophin-releasing hormone CRH proopiomelanocortin POMC pigmentation hair follicles epidermis melanocortin systems homeostasis skin

Studysummary This review discusses how the CRH/POMC systems may regulate human hair follicle pigmentation and highlights the concept of "self-similarity" in melanocortin systems at both local and systemic levels, without presenting new experimental results.

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The document discussed the role of hair follicles as neuro-endocrine sensors, highlighting their ability to produce and respond to various neuropeptides and hormones. It emphasized the skin's capacity to act as a peripheral neuro-endocrine organ, particularly through the production of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides, which regulate pigmentation in hair follicles. The study underscored the importance of the skin's stress defense system, which relies on locally-produced melanocortins to neutralize harmful stimuli, thereby protecting the organism.

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