INCREASED PRODUCTION OF α-MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE IN THE PITUITARY GLAND OF PATIENTS WITH UNTREATED ADDISON'S DISEASE

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Abstract
There is evidence that peptides related to .alpha.-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (.alpha.-MSH) are involved in regulating the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in certain species. We have investigated the amount of immunoreactive (IR)-.alpha.-MSH in the human pituitary gland of patients suffering from Addison''s disease. We show increased numbers of cells containing demonstrable IR-.alpha.-MSH in the anterior lobe in these patients. Using an antiserum with specificity for the acetylated N-terminus of .alpha.-MSH we suggest that the major form present is desacetyl-.alpha.-MSH. These findings are in keeping with a role for anterior lobe derived desacetyl-.alpha.-MSH in the regulation of the human adrenal cortex.