Expression of Melanocortin Receptors on Cutaneous Fibroblastic Cells – Collagen and Beyond

The study explored the expression of melanocortin receptors (MC-1R) on various fibroblastic skin cell types, including dermal fibroblasts, dermal papilla cells, and connective tissue sheath fibroblasts of the hair follicle. It was found that MC-1R expression was maintained in these cells from adult human skin. The research demonstrated that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) could suppress collagen synthesis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 and modulate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in response to interferon-γ (IFN-γ). These findings suggested that MC-1R might play a role in inflammatory disorders affecting the skin's connective tissue and indicated additional functions of melanocortins in fibroblasts beyond collagen synthesis.