Regular paper
Production and release of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) derived peptides by human melanocytes and keratinocytes in culture: regulation by ultraviolet B

https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-4889(96)00063-8Get rights and content
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Abstract

It is demonstrated that ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation stimulates increased expression of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gane which is accompanied by production and release of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) by both normal and malignant human melanocytes and keratinocytes. The production and release of both peptides are also stimulated by dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) and interleukin 1α (IL-1α) but not by endothelin-1 (ET-1) or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), a precursor of glutathione (GSH), an intracellular free radical scavenger, abolishes the UVB-stimulated POMC peptide production and secretion. Conclusions are as follows: (1) Cultured human cells of cutaneous origin, namely keratinocytes and melanocytes, can produce and express POMC; (2) POMC expression is enhanced by exposure to UVB, possibly through a cyclic AMP-dependent pathway; and (3) The action of UVB on POMC production may involve a cellular response to oxidative stress.

Keywords

RT-PCR
Radioimmunoassay
Melanocyte stimulating hormone
Adrenocorticotropin
Ultraviolet B

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