EFFECT OF ALPHA-MELANOCYTE-STIMULATING HORMONE AND TESTOSTERONE ON CUTANEOUS AND MODIFIED SEBACEOUS GLANDS IN RAT

The effects of .alpha.-MSH [.alpha.-melanocyte-stimulating hormone] and testosterone propionate on sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume, dermal lipogenesis and preputial gland weight and lipogenesis were examined in hypophysectomized rats. Hypophysectomy reduced sebum secretion, sebaceous and preputial gland size and dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis. The greatest effects were seen on the biosynthesis of wax esters and squalene. Testosterone propionate (TP) increased sebum secretion, sebaceous gland volume and preputial gland weight and lipogenic activity, but had no significant effect on the pattern of lipid labeling. .alpha.-MSH had no effect on sebaceous or preputial gland size, but increased sebum secretion and dermal lipogenesis, especially wax ester biosynthesis. When given together, TP and .alpha.-MSH had a synergistic effect on sebum secretion and on dermal and preputial gland lipogenesis, and the pattern of lipid labeling was shifted towards normal. TP and .alpha.-MSH also showed synergism in increasing preputial gland weight, but together they had no greater effect on sebaceous gland volume than that achieved with TP alone. TP and .alpha.-MSH probably have different actions on the sebaceous glands, with .alpha.-MSH acting predominantly on lipogenesis and TP on cellular proliferation and turnover leading to an increase in gland size. Preputial glands differ from cutaneous sebaceous glands in their response to .alpha.-MSH and androgen which could be a reflection of their more specialized function.