The melanocortin system.

Abstract

The melanocortin system consists of melanocortin peptides derived from the proopiomelanocortin gene, five melanocortin receptors, two endogenous antagonists, and two ancillary proteins. This review provides an abbreviated account of the basic biochemistry, pharmacology, and physiology of the melanocortin system and highlights progress made in four areas. In particular, recent pharmacological and genetic studies have affirmed the role of melanocortins in pigmentation, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and sexual function. Development of selective agonists and antagonists is expected to further facilitate the investigation of these complex physiological functions and provide an experimental basis for new pharmacotherapies.

• Authors: Ira Gantz, Tung M Fong
• Journal: American journal of physiology. Endocrinology and metabolism (Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 284 Issue 3 Pg. E468-74 (Mar 2003) ISSN: 0193-1849 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12556347 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Corticotropin
• Receptors, Melanocortin
• Pro-Opiomelanocortin

Topics

• Animals
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Homeostasis (physiology)
• Humans
• Inflammation (physiopathology)
• Pigmentation (physiology)
• Pro-Opiomelanocortin (chemistry, physiology)
• Receptors, Corticotropin (metabolism)
• Receptors, Melanocortin
• Sex