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The Role of Neuro-Endocrine Factors in Human Malignant Melanoma

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Malignant Melanoma 1

Part of the book series: Cancer Treatment and Research ((CTAR,volume 9))

Abstract

The melanocyte is a specialized epidermal cell, embryologically derived from the neural crest. Its morphology and function resemble that of nerve cells. Melanocytes have multiple long processes through which their major secretory product, melanin, is transported and ultimately transferred to the keratinocyte within the epidermis. The biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis of melanin are relatively well understood. A hormonal influence on melanin production was demonstrated in the early seventies when the Cloudman murine melanoma exhibited increased tyrosinase activity after exposure to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) [1]. This activation of tyrosinase by MSH in the Cloudman melanoma suggested the possibility of using hormones in a biochemically selected approach for the therapy of melanoma [2]. Melanization and growth are apparently intimately related in melanoma cells. Such regulatory mechanisms in melanoma have been reviewed by Pawelek [3].

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Authors
  1. Lynn E. Posey
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  2. Edward T. Krementz
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 77550, Galveston, TX, USA

    John J. Costanzi M.D. (Professor of Medicine) (Professor of Medicine)

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© 1983 Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, The Hague/Boston/London

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Posey, L.E., Krementz, E.T. (1983). The Role of Neuro-Endocrine Factors in Human Malignant Melanoma. In: Costanzi, J.J. (eds) Malignant Melanoma 1. Cancer Treatment and Research, vol 9. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3900-7_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3900-7_9

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3902-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-3900-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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