melanocyte-stimulating hormone

[ muh-lan-uh-sahyt-stim-yuh-ley-ting, mel-uh-nuh- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. MSH.

melanocyte-stimulating hormone

1. A hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates skin color by stimulating melanin synthesis in humans and other vertebrates. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone stimulates the melanin-producing cells (called melanocytes ) of mammals and the melanin-containing cells (called melanophores ) of reptiles and amphibians.

Word History and Origins

Origin of melanocyte-stimulating hormone¹

First recorded in 1950–55