| melanotroph | A cell of the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis that produces melanotropin. Origin: melano-+ G. Trophe, nourishment (05 Mar 2000) |
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| melanotropin | A polypeptide hormone secreted by the intermediate lobe of the hypophysis in humans (in neurohypophysis in certain other species) which causes dispersion of melanin by melanophores, resulting in darkening of the skin, presumably by promoting melanin synthesis; this effect is readily demonstated in some lower vertebrates, such as frogs and fish; alpha-melanotropin is an N-acetylated peptide with 13 amino acids; beta-melanotropin has 22 amino acids. Synonym: intermedin, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, melanophore-expanding principle. (05 Mar 2000) |
| melanotropin release-inhibiting hormone | Inhibits synthesis and release of melanotropin. Synonym: melanotropin release-inhibiting hormone. Origin: melanotropin + G. States, stationary, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| melanotropin-releasing factor | A hexapeptide similar to oxytocin; it stimulates the release of melanotropin. Synonym: melanotropin-releasing factor, melanotropin-releasing hormone. Origin: melanotropin + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| melanotropin-releasing hormone | A hexapeptide similar to oxytocin; it stimulates the release of melanotropin. Synonym: melanotropin-releasing factor, melanotropin-releasing hormone. Origin: melanotropin + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| melanotype | <photography> A positive picture produced with sensitized collodion on a smooth surface of black varnish, coating a thin plate of iron; also, the process of making such a picture. Alternative forms: melainotype. Origin: Gr, black + -type. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| melanterite | <chemical> A hydrous sulphate of iron of a green colour and vitreous luster; iron vitriol. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| melanure | <zoology> A small fish of the Mediterranean; a gilthead. See Gilthead . Origin: NL. Melanurus, fr. Gr, black + tail. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| melanuria | The excretion of urine of a dark colour, resulting from the presence of melanin or other pigments or from the action of phenol, creosote, resorcin, and other coal tar derivatives. Origin: melano-+ G. Ouron, urine (05 Mar 2000) |
| melanuric | <chemistry> Pertaining to, or designating, a complex nitrogenous acid obtained by decomposition of melam, or of urea, as a white crystalline powder. Synonym: melanurenic acid. Origin: Melam + urea. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |