Melanocortin

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Melanocortins are a group of pituitary peptide hormones that include adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and the alpha, beta and gamma melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH) that derive from the prohormone proopiomelanocortin.

Melanocortins act through a multitude of melanocortin receptors designated MC1 through MC5. MC2 is also known as the adrenocorticotrophic hormone receptor since it selectively binds ACTH. The other melanocortin receptors are semi-selective in their ability to bind multiple melanocortins to some degree.

[edit] Pharmacology

Several synthetic melanocortins are in development including Clinuvel's CUV1647 (Melanotan) for sunless tanning and Palatin Technologies' bremelanotide for erectile dysfunction and sexual arousal disorder.

[edit] External links

• MeSH Melanocortins