Functional melanocortin-2 receptors are expressed by mouse aorta-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells

► The melanocortin system is active during inflammation. ► Melanocortin peptides may induce extracellular matrix changes by mesenchymal progenitors. ► ACTH increases collagen synthesis by mesenchymal progenitors. ► Macrophage and mesenchymal cells are relevant sources of local melanocortin peptides. ► Functional melanocortin-2 receptors are expressed by aorta-derived mesenchymal progenitors.