α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone promotes bone resorption resulting from increased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in goldfish.

We examined the effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on bone metabolism using regenerating goldfish scales. Normally developed scales on the bodies of goldfish were removed to allow the regeneration of scales under anesthesia. Thereafter, the influence of α-MSH on the regeneration of goldfish scales was investigated in vivo.