Human Hormones

Melanocyte stimulating hormones (collectively referred to as MSH) are a class of hormones found in the human body. They are secreted by the cells in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. MSH are considered peptide hormones.
Secretion and Production

MSH are produced in and secreted by the cells in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland. They stimulate the production and secretion of melanin by melanocytes in the skin and hair. An increase in MSH will cause a darkening in humans. For example, MSH production and secretion increases during pregnancy, therefore causing the increased pigmentation of many pregnant women.
Pharmacological Uses

There is currently no medical use for synthetic MSH. Though it would seem that fairer skinned persons would benefit from MSH treatment, research has proven that these persons have variations in their hormone receptors, causing them not to respond to MSH in the blood.