THE MECHANISM OF ENDOCRINE CONTROL OF MELANIN PIGMENTATION*

• DOI: 10.1210/jcem-14-12-1463
• Publication Date: 2009-07-20T22:36:01Z
• Authors: AARON BUNSEN LERNER; KAZUO SHIZUME; IRBY BUNDING
• Keywords: Melanocyte-stimulating hormone; Skin Color; Melasma

IN RECENT years the relationship between hormones and mechanism of pigmentation has come to fore. In this report it will be shown that pituitary gland elaborates a melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) which affects melanin in man. The "peculiar change" skin color described by Addison patients with adrenocortical insufficiency, decreased panhypopituitarism, melasma pregnancy seem depend large part upon activity MSH. Because developments leading conclusion have involved many people aspects research, is worthwhile review historical background problem. 1916 Smith Allen, two biologists working independently, almost simultaneously reported removal tadpoles was followed loss (1–4). Three later Atwell showed when were immersed extracts their became darker (5). Atwell, Smith, Swingle, Zondek found active agent present intermediate lobe (5–9). Subsequently, Hogben, Winton, Waring, Landgrebe, Matthews, Zondek, Herrick, Frieden added much our understanding physiology control fish amphibia (8–15).