Figure 2. Processing of the POMC precursor protein.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-lipotropin are products generated in the corticotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary under the control of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP), γ-lipotropin and β-endorphin are products generated in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary under the control of dopamine. α-, β- and γ-MSH are collectively referred to as melanotropin or intermedin.