The melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSH) are a class of peptide hormones that are produced by cells in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. MSH belongs to a group called the melanocortins. This group includes ACTH, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), beta-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (beta-MSH) and gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (?-MSH); these peptides are all cleavage products of a large precursor peptide called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). alpha-MSH is the most important melanocortin for pigmentation.

The antibody can specifically bind to human MSH-alpha. No cross reactivity was observed with unrelated antigens in ELISA. The specificity for binding to recombinant protein, cellular protein and native antigen is not defined. Cross reactivity with mouse or rat MSH-alpha was not tested.

Store at 4°C if intended for use within one month, otherwise, store at -20°C to -80°C. The lyophilized antibody is stable for at least 18 months after the date of receipt when stored at -20°C to -80°C. After reconstitution, it can be aliquoted and stored frozen at -20°C to -80°C in a manual defrost freezer for at least 6 months without detectable loss of activity. Upon reconstitution, the antibody can also be stored for 1 month at 4°C. Please avoid freeze-thaw cycles, as this will lower the activity of the antibody.

• Hadley ME (Oct 2005). "Discovery that a melanocortin regulates sexual functions in male and female humans". Peptides 26 (10): 1687–9. Millington GW (May 2006). "Proopiomelanocortin (POMC): the cutaneous roles of its melanocortin products and receptors". Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 31 (3): 407–12
• Millington GW (2007). "The role of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurones in feeding behaviour". Nutr Metab (Lond) 4: 18.