Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Unit Converter

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a small neuropeptide made of 13 amino acids. It is produced when the body breaks down a larger precursor protein called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which also gives rise to ACTH and beta-endorphin.

Alpha-MSH acts as a chemical messenger by binding to melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R) found on cells throughout the body. It plays a central role in regulating skin pigmentation, appetite, inflammation, and immune function.

Measuring alpha-MSH in the blood can help assess hypothalamic function, chronic inflammatory states, and biotoxin-related illness such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

Produced primarily in the hypothalamus (arcuate nucleus) and pituitary gland by processing the POMC precursor protein. It is also made locally in the skin by keratinocytes and melanocytes in response to UV light, and by various immune cells including macrophages and monocytes.