PT-141 (Bremelanotide) (10mg)

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) Peptide

PT-141, also known as Bremelanotide, was derived from a synthetic melanocortin analog known as Melanotan 2 (MT-2). A melanocortin analog, such as PT-141 and MT-2, is considered to be any synthetic compound designed to mimic or influence the functions of natural melanocortin peptides. These peptides, such as the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), may be involved in a range of physiological processes including appetite regulation, energy homeostasis, immune responses, and skin cell pigmentation. PT-141 is a melanocortin analog that was developed to interact with Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC-4R). It has been studied for a variety of potential characteristics and bioactivities through its interaction with this receptor. Apart from MC-4R, there are other melanocortin receptors like MC-1R, MC-2R, MC-3R, and MC-5R, each associated with different potential functions. For instance, MC-1R may be primarily involved in skin cell and hair follicle pigmentation, MC-2R appears to play a crucial role in the adrenal axis and stress response, MC-3R is implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis, and MC-5R has been linked to exocrine function and thus impacts processes such as sweating and sebum production.

Specifications

Other Known Titles: Bremelanotide

Molecular Formula: C₅₀H₆₈N₁₄O₁₀

Molecular Weight: 1025.18 g/mol

Sequence: Ac-Nle-Asp(1)-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys(1)-OH

PT-141 Peptide Research

PT-141 Peptide (Bremelanotide) and the Melanocortin-4 Receptors
PT-141 appears to uniquely stimulate the MC-4R, which may trigger cascades in the central nervous system which impact the brain region that controls reproductive and copulatory behavior.^[1] The researchers suggest that “The erectogenic potential of PT-141, its tolerability profile and its [potential] to cause significant erections in [cases that otherwise] do not have an adequate response to a PDE5 inhibitor suggest that PT-141 may provide an alternative [avenue for ED research].” Studies in mice agonist binding to MC-4R reported sexual arousal and increased copulation activity in both males and females.^[2] The mechanism of PT-141 appears to be different from compounds that manage blood flow to the genitals.^[3][4] Researchers suggest that MC-4R agonism, potentially combined with existing modalities, may encourage both physiological and psychological alterations. In a meticulously designed study, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial to explore the potential stimulation of the Melanocortin-4 receptor on neural pathways involved in sexual processing. Initial findings suggest that PT-141 as an agonist may potentially enhance sexual desire for a duration up to 24 hours, in comparison to a placebo. During the functional neuroimaging segment of the study, there was an apparent increase in activity observed in the cerebellar and supplementary motor areas. These regions are deemed crucial for motor control and planning. Conversely, there was a possible reduction in activation within the secondary somatosensory cortex, an area involved in processing sensory information, specifically when under the influence of visual stimuli, differing from responses observed with the placebo. Additionally, it was theorized that MC-4R agonists like PT-141 might enhance the functional connectivity between the amygdala, a key region in emotion regulation, and the insula, which is involved in perception and emotional responses, during exposure to the stimuli. This was in contrast to the actions noted with the placebo. These preliminary observations led researchers to suggest that MC-4R agonists could potentially enhance the neural processing associated with sexual arousal and behavior.

PT-141 Peptide (Bremelanotide) and Cavernous Tissues
Despite suggestions that the mechanism of PT-141 appears to be different from compounds that manage blood flow to the genitals, some scholars propose that compounds classified as melanocortin agonists, such as PT-141, might exhibit properties conducive to inducing erections by influencing the concentrations of vasodilators within specific tissues.^[5] Research has explored the possible involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cyclic GMP) pathway in the action of melanocortin agonists on erectile function. This pathway is posited as pivotal in many processes, including the regulation of vascular tone and blood flow within cavernosal tissues. One particular study investigated this by conducting experiments where the pudendal nerves, which are considered vital for erectile function, were bilaterally transected, and nitric oxide synthase (the enzyme responsible for producing NO) was blocked using a specific inhibitor known as L-NAME.^[5] The findings from these experiments suggested that disrupting the pudendal nerves or inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis might potentially diminish the Melanocortin-agonist-induced increases in pressure within cavernosal tissues, observed in anesthetized mouse models. These tissues are deemed key structures involved in achieving an erection due to their role in trapping blood within the cavernosal tissues. Consequently, the data cautiously suggest that activating central melanocortin receptors with melanocortin agonists like PT-141 may lead to enhanced cavernosal pressure, presumably through the enhanced release of NO by neurons, although this mechanism remains speculative and requires further confirmation.

PT-141 Peptide (Bremelanotide) and Cell Survival
The MC-1R receptor may be an important stimulus of DNA repair pathways, and is of relevance in cell survival.^[6] The scientists reported that “MC1R signalling activates antioxidant, DNA repair and survival pathways.” PT-141 retains some MC-1R activity, despite being biased towards MC-3Rs and MC-4Rs.

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References