The α-melanocyte stimulating hormone diminishes allergic airway inflammation through melanocortin receptor 5

Rationale: Originally, the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has been described to stimulate melanine production and to diminish inflammation in the skin by binding to different melanocortin receptors (MC-R). Antiinflammatory effects have also been confirmed for several dermatologic and neurologic disorders. However, until yet, it is unknown, whether α-MSH also plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and through which receptor its effects are mediated. Methods: Wild-type and MC5-R knockout mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with an OVA aerosol t…