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Published online before print October 17, 2006
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Center for Preclinical Investigation, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
1 Correspondence: Centro di Sperimentazione Preclinica, Padiglione Granelli, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Via F. Sforza 35, Milano 20122, Italy. E-mail: anna.catania{at}unimi.it
The melanocortin system is composed of the melanocortin peptides, adrenocorticotropic hormone and
-, ß-, and
-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, the melanocortin receptors (MCRs), and the endogenous antagonists agouti- and agouti-related protein. Melanocortin peptides exert multiple effects upon the host, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Leukocytes are a source of melanocortins and a major target for these peptides. Because of reduced translocation of the nuclear factor NF-
B to the nucleus, MCR activation by their ligands causes a collective reduction of the most important molecules involved in the inflammatory process. This review examines how melanocortin peptides and their receptors participate in leukocyte biology.
Key Words: adrenocorticotropic hormone
-melanocyte-stimulating hormone melanocortin receptors melanocortin peptides nuclear factor-
B neuroimmunomodulation pro-opiomelanocortin
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