alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

Medical Condition:
alpha Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

A 13-amino acid peptide derived from the anterior pituitary gland in man and from the pars intermedia in lower vertebrates. Its amino acid sequence is identical to the first 13 amino acids of ACTH. It influences the formation of deposition of melanin in the body and produces color changes in the skin of amphibians, fishes and reptiles. It is secreted in humans only during fetal life and occasionally during pregnancy.