Description_x000D_ Amino Acid Sequence_x000D_ Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2_x000D_ General description_x000D_ α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a tridecapeptide, mostly produced by the cells in the brain, pituitary and circulation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines or UV light induced epidermal cells such as keratinocytes and melanocytes synthesize and discharge α–MSH. Poopiomelanocortin (POMC) acts as a precursor for α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) production._x000D_ Application_x000D_ α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α–MSH) has been used for following studies:_x000D_ • it has been Intracerebroventricularly (icv) injected to mice for behavioral studies._x000D_ • to determine the effect of α−MSH on growth of stationary Nb 2 node lymphoma cell cultures._x000D_ • to determine the effect of α−MSH on leptin secretion in the primary cultures of differentiated adipocytes._x000D_ • α−MSH promoted melanin production in the B16-F1 cells from murine melanoma cell line._x000D_ Packaging_x000D_ 1, 5 mg in glass bottle_x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ Hormone that stimulates melanogenesis; facilitates learning and memory; affects inflammatory and immune responses and peripheral nerve regeneration._x000D_ α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) acts as an anti-inflammatory agent via down regulating the production and activity of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 expressed in various cells of the immune system. It also controls the nitric oxide production associated with inflammation. α−MSH inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-dependent gene transcription and NF-κB pathway induced by TNF and other inflammatory agents. This activity of α-MSH is mediated through the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and activation of protein kinase A (PKA) enzyme. α–MSH functions as a potent therapeutics for various conditions resulted through NF-κB activation including, inflammatory diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication in AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and septic shock. α-MSH has an essential role to play in melanin production in animals. α-MSH regulates development of several skin diseases, including cutaneous inflammation and hyper-proliferative skin diseases._x000D_ Pituitary hormone which causes darkening skin pigmentation from amphibians to humans. In mammals, it can also have behavioral effects on learning, attention, and memory._x000D_ Antibody Adsorbant_x000D_ Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2_x000D_ Linkage_x000D_ Derived from ACTH 1-13_x000D_ Other Notes_x000D_ Lyophilized from 0.1% TFA in H2O