Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone (Noun)
Meaning
A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that controls the degree of pigmentation in melanocytes.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- The release of melanocyte-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary gland stimulates melanin production in the skin, resulting in increased pigmentation.
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone levels are typically higher in darker-skinned individuals due to increased melanin production.
- Malnutrition and stress have been shown to affect the production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, potentially leading to pigmentation changes.
- The overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone can lead to Cushing's disease, as excessive quantities of the hormone may cause inflammation and skin discoloration.
- In melanoma cases, melanocyte-stimulating hormone acts as a stimulator to promote melanin synthesis in the affected melanocytes.