Prostaglandin production by melanocytic cells and the effect of α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone

Abstract

Prostaglandins are potent mediators of the inflammatory response and are also involved in cancer development. In this study, we show that human melanocytes and FM55 melanoma cells express cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and -2) and thus have the capability to produce prostaglandins. The FM55 cells produced predominantly PGE 2 and PGF 2α , whereas the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line produced mainly PGE 2 . The anti-inflammatory peptide, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), reduced prostaglandin production in FM55 and HaCaT cells and reversed the effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in the former. These results indicate that melanocytes produce prostaglandins and that α-MSH, by inhibiting this response, may play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses in the skin.