Melanin, secretion

Reported studies have shown its anti-inflammatory effects and anti-oxidant action. It acts by thinning the stratum corneum, promoting epidermolysis, dispersing basal layer melanin and epidermal and dermal hyaluronic acid and collagen gene expression that increases through an elevated secretion of IL-6 [3]. 

Potentials problems with the use of hair include a strong influence of hair pigmentation on nicotine and cotinine binding and uptake (Dehn et al. 2001). Nicotine and cotinine are bound to melanin. As a result, dark hair binds much more nicotine than does blond or white hair. This makes comparison across individuals difficult. Also, hair is exposed to nicotine and cotinine from sweat and from sebaceous gland secretions, and to nicotine from environmental tobacco smoke exposure. Washing the hair before analysis may reduce this problem of environmental contamination, but it is not likely to remove all environmental nicotine and cotiiune. 

The anterior lobe secretes various trophic hormones, the posterior lobe is responsible for the secretion of oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) and middle lobe secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) which may affect the synthesis of melanin. 

The presence of catechols and more complex, oxidizable polyphenols in nature is widespread, and their functions are not limited to chemical defense. However, biological control of their oxidation is usually a feature of their function, as it is (1) in melanin synthesis,3 (2) in immunologically mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity responses,4 (3) in the hardening or curing of arthropod secretions (for example, as in the surface attachment adhesives of the barnacle and in tanning of the cuticle in insects),5 as well as (4) in defensive mechanisms in higher plants, particularly in the unleashing of immediate necrotrophic responses.6... 

The ciliary body, situated posterior to the iris, performs several functions. It connects the anterior part of the choroid to the circumference of the iris, and contains the ciliary muscles necessary for accommodation. The ciliary body secretes aqueous humor into the posterior together with nutrients to nourish the lens. In the ciliary body, melanin is located only in the outer pigmented epithelium [24]. Aqueous humor is actively secreted and passively filtered by the ciliary body. Although the rate of secretion is about 2 pL/min the same volume is drawn-off via Schlemm s canal from where it is conducted into veins [25]. 

Colchicine inhibits the release of histamine-containing granules from mast cells, the secretion of insulin from P-cells of pancreatic islets, and the movement of melanin granules in melanophores. Although it is questionable whether these effects occur at clinically achieved concentrations of colchicine, all these processes may involve the translocation of granules by the microtubular system. 

Melanin granules are secreted by melanocytes in the hair papilla and distributed to keratin in the hair cortex and inner layers of the hair sheath during normal development. Melanogenesis is subject to hormonal control and has been the focus of intensive genetic studies. Two main forms of melanin exist in human skin—eumelanin and phaeomelanin, both of which are derived from tyrosine through the action of tyrosinase (a cupro-enzyme) and possibly other key enzymes (with nickel, chromium, iron, and manganese as cofactors). Tyrosine is converted to dihydroxyphenylalanine and, via a series of intermediate steps, to indole-5,6-quinone, which polymerizes to eumelanin. Phaeomelanins are produced by a similar mechanism but with the incorporation of sulfur (as cysteine) by a nonenzymatic step in the oxidation process. 

MSHs consist of three peptide hormones a-MSH, 3-MSH, and y-MSH, which are secreted by intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. They are cleaved from the same precursor peptide as ACTH. Their basic function is stimulation of melanocytes to darken skin and stimulation of melanin synthesis to darken the skin and hair. They also have been found to be released in the brain affecting appetite, sexual arousal, and many other functions. 

A hormone secreted by the pituitary which causes increased melanin synthesis and darkening of the skin. Two forms of this hormone are known and are referred to as a-MSH andj -MSH. Both have structural similarities to ACTH. MSH secretion parallels ACTH secretion, being greatest when the circulating... 

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