Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is the precursor of ACTH, α-MSH and β-endorphin, neuropeptides with multiple regulatory functions. Both the pituitary gland and peripheral tissues such as mammalian skin are capable of generating POMC-derived neuropeptides. Mammalian skin is also a target for POMC products; their possible roles in skin physiology and pathology are discussed in this communication. © 1993.
