Melanocortin (MC) 3-MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) is believed to signal through the MC 3 receptor. It induces a sustained increase in intracellular free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in a subpopulation of pituitary cells. Most of the cells responding to 3-MSH express more than one pituitary hormone mRNA. The effect of 3-MSH is blocked by SHU9119, a MC3R and MC4R antagonist, in only 50% of the responsive cells, suggesting that in half of these cells the mediating receptor is not the MC3R. Low picomolar doses of 3-MSH increase [Ca2+]i in the growth hormone (GH)- and prolactin (PRL)-secreting GH3 cell line.

3-Methoxysalicylaldehyde is a natural product.

Aspartic Acid is a non-essential amino acid in humans, Aspartic Acid has an overall negative charge and plays an important role in the synthesis of other amino acids and in the citric acid and urea cycles.