alpha-MSH

**Definition:** A 13-amino acid peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE, the N-terminal segment of ACTH. ACTH (1-13) is amidated at the C-terminal to form ACTH (1-13)NH2 which in turn is acetylated to form alpha-MSH in the secretory granules. Alpha-MSH stimulates the synthesis and distribution of MELANIN in MELANOCYTES in mammals and MELANOPHORES in lower vertebrates.

**Tree numbers:** - D06.472.699.327.935.179 - D06.472.699.327.935.531.750.050 - D06.472.699.631.525.600.179 - D06.472.699.631.525.600.531.750.050 - D12.644.400.400.935.179 - D12.644.400.400.935.531.750.050 - D12.644.400.460.050 - D12.644.548.365.935.179 - D12.644.548.365.935.531.750.050 - D12.644.548.691.525.690.179 - D12.644.548.691.525.690.531.750.050 - D12.776.631.650.405.935.179 - D12.776.631.650.405.935.531.750.050 - D12.776.631.650.460.050

**Synonyms:** - Acetylated ACTH (1-13)NH2 - alpha Intermedin - alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone - alpha-Melanotropin - MSH, alpha