Vitiligo and Endocrine System

The vitiligo is close relative to the endocrine system. Endocrine system is an internal information transfer system that comprised by endocrine glands and the endocrine cells in some organs. The endocrine system close relate to the nervous and immunity system, they work together and regulate the physiological activities of an individual, thus maintain the relative stable of internal environment. The hormones, which is a highly effective living substance that secreted by endocrine glands and the endocrine cells, will play a role after the transport through the interstitial fluid and blood. The researches presented: the melanocyte stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and sex hormone could promote the anabolism of melanin. On the opposite, the glucocorticoid, epinephrine and noradrenaline, thyroxine and melatonin can restrain the anabolism of melanin. Therefore, the vitiligo is close relative to the endocrine system.

1.Melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH): The human MSH might be secreted by the adrenocorticotropic hormone cells in adenohypophysis. The MSH is divided to α and β two types. α-MSH will not affect the melanocytes and has no different between ethnic groups. β-MSH is close relate to the melanocytes and has difference between ethnic groups.

2. Corticosteroid hormone: secreted by the adrenal cortex, the common synthetic corticosteroid hormone include metacortandracin, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. The corticosteroid hormone can regulate the melanin metabolism by stimulate the melanocytes.

3. Adrenocorticotropic hormone: secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, clinically, many patients found the pigmentation of the pigmented nevus and new pigmented nevus after systemic uses of adrenocorticotropic hormone.