Isolation of - and -Melanocyte Stimulating Hormones (MSH) on a Preparative Scale.

Abstract

α- and β-MSH were isolated on preparative scale with high recovery of starting activity. The initial step in purification of both hormones is chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose. β-MSH is further purified (4-5 × 10⁶ U/mg) by use of DEAE cellulose. α-MSH was not completely freed of vasopressin and other contaminants by zone electrophoresis on large vertical column. Countercurrent distribution of concentrate of vasopressin and α-MSH, yields α-MSH with a potency of 1.5 × 10⁷ U/mg, free of vasopressin.