What is alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)?
MSH is an anti-inflammatory, regulatory hormone made in the hypothalamus. It controls production of hormones, modulates the immune system and controls nerve function, too. It is made when leptin is able to activate its receptor in the proopio-melanocortin (POMC) pathway. If the receptor is damaged by peripheral immune effects, such as the release of too many pro- inflammatory cytokines, then the receptor doesn’t work right and MSH isn’t made. Leptin controls storage of fatty acids as fat, so MSH and leptin are a major source of interest. Q: Isn’t this damage to the leptin receptor just like what we see in insulin resistance? A: Actually, the mechanism is almost identical. A lot of our obesity and diabetes is inappropriately blamed on overeating when the real problem is damage to these regulatory receptors. Q: What does MSH do? A: MSH sits as the central hub of a series of important effects. MSH controls hypothalamic production of melatonin and endorphins. Without MSH, deficiency create
