Effects of β-MSH, Cortisol and ACTH on Tyrosinase in the Skin of Newborn Hamsters and Mice

作者：Seymour H. Pomerantz, Lucy T. Chuang · 发表于：Endocrinology · 年份：1970 · DOI：10.1210/endo-87-2-302 · 被引用次数：32 · 研究领域：melanin and skin pigmentation、Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques、Regulation of Appetite and Obesity

Administration of β-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) to newborn Syrian golden hamsters and to black and brown mice increases tyrosinase activity in body skin by 30-50% after 2 to 4 days of daily treatment. The low ventral skin activity in hamsters can be increased over 100% by this treatment. Cortisol treatment lowers tyrosinase activity in both hamsters and mice, and this action is prevented by simultaneous treatment with MSH. ACTH does not lead to consistent increases or decreases in hamster enzyme, but interpretation is hampered because ACTH administration probably increases endogenous glucocorticoid production. Prolactin, growth hormone, luteinizing hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone have no significant effect on hamster tyrosinase. It seems likely that conditions in man and other mammals that result in elevated levels of MSH are associated with increases in skin tyrosinase and that the increased enzyme produces the dark skin or hair pigmentation. Cortisol may lower tyrosinase by blocking release of endogenous MSH. {Endocrinology87: 302, 1970)