ACTH in invertebrates: a molecule for all seasons
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25431/1824-307X/isj.v13i1.28-33Keywords:
ACTH, invertebrates, immunomodulation, stress response, parasitizationAbstract
In vertebrate and invertebrate models, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) belongs to the melanocortin group of related peptides, which share a common precursor, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Functional experiments indicate that in invertebrates, ACTH plays a major role in several biological functions. ACTH, whose effects have been conserved during evolution more than its amino acidic sequence, is, directly or indirectly, able to contrast agents that perturb a body’s homeostasis. Here we review evidence highlighting the involvement of ACTH and ACTH-like molecules in the response of invertebrate models versus immune, environmental and parasitic challenges.