What is the Difference Between MSH and Melatonin

The main difference between MSH and melatonin is that MSH is an endogenous peptide hormone that stimulates pigmentation, whereas melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness.

MSH and melatonin are two hormones produced by the brain. The anterior pituitary produces MSH, while the pineal gland of the brain produces melatonin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is MSH
– Definition, Features, Importance
2. What is Melatonin
– Definition, Features, Importance
3. Similarities Between MSH and Melatonin
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between MSH and Melatonin
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Melatonin, MSH, Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone

What is MSH

MSH, also known as melanotropins, is the primary pigmentary hormone of vertebrates. It is produced in the anterior pituitary. The primary function of this hormone is to stimulate melanogenesis. Therefore, it is the most essential form of melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Furthermore, α-MSH (α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is a neuropeptide of the melanocortin family. Its amino acid sequence is Ac-Ser-Tyr-Ser-Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH₂.

Figure 1: MSH

Moreover, MSH is responsible for the melanin in hair and skin. It is important due to its photoprotective effects. Besides, MSH reduces the proinflammatory mediators by inducing cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). Thus, it protects the brain and peripheral organs from inflammatory disorders.

Furthermore, a few synthetic drugs, such as afamelanot8de (melanotan) and melanotan II, are available as supplements for MSH.

What is Melatonin

Melatonin is an indoleamine that occurs in eukaryotes and bacteria. Moreover, it is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland. It especially controls the cycle of sleep-wake in vertebrates. Because it synchronizes circadian rhythms such as sleep-wake timing and other rhythmic events, including fattening, reproduction, herbination, and molting. In addition, it involves the regulation of blood pressure. Melatonin receptors are stimulated by the melatonin hormone for most of these effects. Apart from that, melatonin has an antioxidant effect.

Figure 2: Melatonin

Moreover, our body produces more melatonin in the darkness. But, in the light, melatonin production is reduced, signaling the body to be awake. In low levels of melatonin, some people experience difficulty in sleeping. Because of this, melatonin is important in treating insomnia, a sleeping disorder, and improving sleep. Melatonin is also important in treating depression, chronic pain, dementia, and many other conditions to improve sleep.

Similarities Between MSH and Melatonin

• MSH and melatonin are two hormones produced by the brain.
• Both respond to light.

Difference Between MSH and Melatonin

Definition

MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone) is an endogenous peptide hormone. It is a neuropeptide of the melanocortin family. At the same time, melatonin refers to a hormone secreted by the pineal gland which inhibits melanin formation and is thought to be concerned with regulating the reproductive cycle.

Origin

The anterior pituitary produces MSH, while the pineal gland of the brain produces melatonin.

Target Tissue

Skin cells are the target tissue of MSH, while suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the brain stem are the target tissue of melatonin.

Significance

MSH is an endogenous peptide hormone that stimulates pigmentation, while melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness.  

Effect

MSH stimulates skin cells to produce melanin, while melatonin stimulates sleep.

Conclusion

In brief, MSH and melatonin are two hormones produced by the brain. The anterior pituitary gland produces MSH, and the target tissues of MSH are skin cells. Also, it stimulates skin cells to produce melanin, stimulating pigmentation. In comparison, melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland. The target tissue of this hormone is the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the brain stem. Moreover, this hormone is produced in response to darkness and stimulates sleep. Therefore, the main difference between MSH and melatonin is their function.

References:

1. Singh M, Mukhopadhyay K. Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:874610. doi: 10.1155/2014/874610. Epub 2014 Jul 23. PMID: 25140322; PMCID: PMC4130143.
2. (n.d.-e). Melatonin: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-940/melatonin

Image Courtesy:

1. “Α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone” By User:Innerstream – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Melatonin” By Lukáš Mižoch – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia