Corticotrophin-like peptides in the rat pituitary.

Abstract

SUMMARY The pars intermedia of the rat pituitary contains a peptide resembling the 18–39 portion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), which has been termed 'corticotrophin-like intermediate lobe peptide' (CLIP). It can be detected by its cross-reaction with an antiserum directed against the CO2H-terminal portion of the ACTH molecule; it has an amino acid composition identical to the 18–39 portion of human ACTH, except for one less glycine and an extra valine residue, and it is rapidly released from neurointermediate lobes maintained in organ culture. The pars intermedia also contains a peptide with an amino acid composition and biological potency identical to that of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) isolated from other mammals, and which accounts for the bulk of melanocyte-stimulating activity in the pituitary. Rat ACTH resembles human ACTH in amino acid composition, except for an extra valine and one less glycine residue. On the basis of these data it is proposed that ACTH is the precursor of α-MSH and CLIP, which are both present in the cells of the pars intermedia.