Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) is also known as intermedin and is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (an endocrine gland in the human body).
Some texts describe melanocyte stimulating hormone as a hormone that regulates skin color in humans and other vertebrates. Other texts also mention that it brings about colour changes in the skin of some amphibians.
However, although an excessive amount of melanocyte stimulating hormone in humans is reported to cause darkening of the skin, according to the Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (1998), "its physiological role in man is uncertain".
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
