The experimental generation of antibodies to alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

Abstract

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and [alpha] melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) were conjugated to rabbit serum albumin (RSA) with carbodiimide reagents. Antisera to these two conjugates were induced by injecting them into rabbits. Complement fixing antibodies to [alpha]-MSH were found to be specific, they did not cross react with [beta]-MSH or ACTH. They neutralized the skin darkening effect of [alpha]-MSH on frog skin in vitro. Antiserum to ACTH was less specific, it reacted with ACTH, the synthetic N-terminal eicosapeptide of ACTH, and both [alpha] and [beta]-MSH. Anti-ACTH neutralized the biological effects of ACTH on rat adrenal glands and adrenal tumor cells and the effect of [alpha]-MSH on frog skin. Neither antiserum in small amounts neutralized the darkening effect of [beta]-MSH or ACTH on frog skin.