Ultraviolet B stimulates production of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) by human melanocytes

AbstractHere we show that human melanocytes express the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) gene and produce CRF peptide. The CRF production and secretion is markedly stimulated by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. This is the first demonstration that cutaneous melanocytes respond to environmental stress (UVB) through the production of CRF