Summary
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a prohormone for several peptides including corticotropin,
melanocyte stimulating hormones and beta-endorphin. POMC-derived peptides have been
demonstrated in many tissues, including the hypothalamus and the endocrine pancreas,
which play important roles in the control of plasma levels of glucagon, insulin and
glucose. This article reviews the present knowledge concerning in vitro and in vivo effects of POMC-derived peptides on glucagon, insulin and glucose levels involving
several possible mechanisms: direct effects on the endocrine pancreas (including endocrine,
paracrine and peptidergic regulation) and glucose production, and indirect effects
involving the hypothalamus, the autonomic nervous system and the adrenal gland.
Key-Words
Pro-Opiomelanocortin
-
Corticotropin
-
Alpha-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
-
Beta-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
-
Gamma-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
-
Beta-Cell Tropin
-
Beta-Endorphin
-
Glucagon
-
Insulin
-
Glucose
-
In Vivo Effects
-
In Vitro Effects
