Skin Pigmentation

Sensitive Detection for Modulators of Pigmentation

Binding of Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) to the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R, a GS-protein coupled receptor) on melanocytes triggers pro-differentiation signals mediated by the second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP). cAMP-mediated signals inhibit UV-induced apoptosis and promote melanin synthesis via transcriptional activation of pigment regulating enzymes such as tyrosinase. Modulation of cAMP levels by pharmacological induction of adenylate cyclases, or inhibition of phosphodiesterases, hold promise as UV-independent mechanisms of increasing natural production of melanin and protection from UV damage to skin.

Enzo Life Sciences offers the most sensitive and complete colorimetric ELISA kits for quantification of intracellular or extracellular cAMP or cGMP in a variety of sample types.

• Sensitive ELISA with optional acetylation protocol increases sensitivity 10-fold (0.039 pmol/ml)
• Regularly cited in peer-reviewed publications
• Simple, efficient and well-established sample handling protocols