MELANOTAN 2

Description

Melanotan 2 Peptide
Melanotan 2 peptide is a synthetic compound, which is an analog of the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.(1) The peptide is a cyclic heptapeptide that appears to have a modified affinity towards the receptors that the endogenous hormone may interact with. In addition to possibly stimulating melanogenesis (the production of melanin pigment) in dermal cells, this peptide may have increased affinity towards other receptors that play a role in the regulation of appetite and various types of arousal.(2)
Overview
Melanotan 2 likely serves as a non-selective agonist with the potential to bind with four out of the five different subtypes of melanocortin receptors (MC-R).(3) Depending on the localization, the receptor-Melanotan 2 bond may induce different actions. Namely, the four receptors that Melanotan 2 may interact with include:
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) may be expressed in melanocytes, which are cells found in tissues such as dermal tissues, hair, and possibly cells and tissues found in the eye.
The melanocortin 3 receptor (MC3R) might be found in a range of tissues, potentially including the brain and the placenta. Initial observations suggest that MC3R might be involved in modulating appetite under certain experimental conditions.
The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) may be localized within the central nervous system, perhaps in the hypothalamus. Some early indications suggest that this receptor may impact neurons that are believed to have some influence over mating behaviors and general arousal.
The melanocortin 5 receptor (MC5R) appears to be distributed across multiple tissues, although what role it might serve remains unclear.
For example, the potential interaction between Melanotan 2 and the MC1Rs may lead to increased production of eumelanin, which causes darkening of the epidermal layer’s pigment.(4)
On the other hand, when Melanotan 2 binds with the MC4R, it may induce supraspinal centers in the brain, which may lead to increased libido. These signals may then be carried to the sympathetic and parasympathetic centers in the spinal cord and thoracolumbar region.(3)