[Stimulation of growth hormone secretion: a novel extrapigmentary action of alpha-melanotropin].

: Alpha-melanotropin stimulated the spontaneous secretion of human growth hormone in vivo and in vitro. This novel extrapigmentary action of alpha-MSH is also demonstrated in preparations of isolated pituitary tissue and cell cultures. It is concluded that alpha-MSH meets some of the criteria of a genuine growth hormone releasing hormone.