Gamma-MSH and its Related Peptides do not Augment ACTH-Induced Steroidogenesis in Isolated Rat Adrenal Cells

抄録

In a sensitive ACTH bioassay system using isolated rat adrenal cells, we tested the effect of γ-MSH related peptides on ACTH-induced steroidogenesis. Peptides, including synthetic γ1-, γ2-, γ3- and Lys-γ3-MSH, exerted no effect in augmenting ACTH-induced steroidogenesis. None of the 16 kilodalton fragment of ACTH/β-lipotropin precursor and its cleaved fragment had such an activity. The results are in contrast with previous reports concerning ACTHpotentiating activity of γ-MSH related peptides and, therefore, indicate the necessity of further investigation of the principle involved in this unique biological activity.