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Alpha-MSH

α-MSH · Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone · Melanotan precursor

Immune System
From$7.10/mgCompare prices
MW
1664.9g/mol
Formula
C77H109N21O19S

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a peptide hormone belonging to the melanocortin family, primarily produced in the pituitary gland and the central nervous system. Researchers primarily study α-MSH for its diverse roles in regulating inflammation, appetite, and sexual behavior. Key findings indicate that α-MSH possesses anti-inflammatory properties, potentially modulating immune responses, and exhibits antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans by influencing cellular signaling pathways. Additionally, studies suggest that α-MSH interacts with other neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, to influence complex behaviors in the hypothalamus. Current research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of α-MSH, particularly its therapeutic potential in various physiological and pathological contexts.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Profile

Chemical structure
Chemical Structure
FormulaC77H109N21O19S
Molecular Weight1664.9 g/mol
CAS Number581-05-5
PubChem CID16133793

Half-Life

SCSubcutaneous

~1-2 hours

IVIntravenous

~30 minutes

POOral

Poor bioavailability

Bioavailability is significantly reduced when administered orally due to peptide degradation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Mechanism

Mechanism of Action

Alpha-MSH primarily acts through melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5), coupling to adenylyl cyclase and activating the cAMP signaling pathway. This activation leads to various biological processes, including anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of sexual behavior, and antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. While the mechanisms underlying some effects are well-characterized, others remain less understood, particularly the differential regulation of peptide release in neuronal circuits.

Research

87 Research Publications

2,185

Total Citations

9

Human/RCT

2.4

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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#01

Design and characterization of alpha-melanotropin peptide analogs cyclized through rhenium and technetium metal coordination.

AnimalInfluence5.0
126
Researchers observed that cyclization of alpha-MSH analogs through metal coordination significantly altered receptor-binding affinity and improved tumor imaging in melanoma models.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#02

Does alpha-MSH have a role in regulating skin pigmentation in humans?

In VitroInfluence3.0
108
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH stimulates eumelanin synthesis in human melanocytes, suggesting its role in regulating skin pigmentation despite low circulating levels.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#03

alpha-MSH and its receptors in regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by human monocyte/macrophages.

In VitroInfluence2.0
107
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH inhibited TNF-alpha production in human monocyte/macrophages, supporting its role in an autocrine regulatory circuit in inflammation.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#04

Involvement of alpha-MSH in the social isolation induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in rat.

AnimalInfluence3.0
102
The study demonstrated that social isolation in rats decreased alpha-MSH levels and increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, which were reversed by re-socialization.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#05

alpha-MSH tripeptide analogs activate the melanocortin 1 receptor and reduce UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes.

In VitroInfluence3.0
85
The study demonstrated that tripeptide analogs of alpha-MSH effectively activate the melanocortin 1 receptor and reduce UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#06

ARC POMC mRNA and PVN alpha-MSH are lower in obese relative to lean zucker rats.

AnimalInfluence2.0
80
The study demonstrated that obese Zucker rats exhibited lower alpha-MSH levels and POMC mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus compared to lean rats, suggesting impaired melanocortin signaling.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#07

Trophic influences of alpha-MSH and ACTH4-10 on neuronal outgrowth in vitro.

In Vitro
79
Researchers observed that both alpha-MSH and ACTH4-10 stimulated neurite outgrowth from fetal spinal cord slices in vitro, indicating their potential trophic effects on neuronal development.
200 nginjected into a lateral cerebral ventricle(rabbits)30 nmol (50 micrograms)intraperitoneally (IP) and subcutaneously (SC)(rat)5 or 10 nmol/ratintracerebroventricular injection(rat)10(-15)-10(-7) Mnot specified(human keratinocytes)10(-13)-10(-7) Mnot specified(normal human keratinocytes)
PubMed
#08

Apelin and the proopiomelanocortin system: a new regulatory pathway of hypothalamic α-MSH release.

AnimalInfluence4.0
73
The study demonstrated that apelin stimulates alpha-MSH release in hypothalamic neurons, suggesting a regulatory pathway for food intake and energy balance.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
#09

Proopiomelanocortin peptides and sebogenesis.

In VitroInfluence4.0
70
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH and its derived peptides regulate sebocyte differentiation and lipid production in human sebocytes, correlating with increased MC5-R expression.
PubMed
#10

Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone: an emerging anti-inflammatory antimicrobial peptide.

Singh Madhuri & Mukhopadhyay Kasturi · BioMed research international · 2014

ReviewInfluence1.0
69
Researchers observed that alpha-MSH exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, suggesting its potential as an anti-infective agent.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that α-MSH has direct antimicrobial activity against various microbes, including bacteria and fungi.
  2. 02The study noted that the C-terminal residues of α-MSH also display antimicrobial properties similar to the entire peptide.
  3. 03Researchers emphasized the potential of α-MSH-based peptides as effective anti-infective agents.
12.5 ngi.c.v.(rabbit)200 ngintracerebral ventricle(rabbit)100 pmol g-1 body weightintraperitoneal(goldfish)50 pmol g-1 BWintracerebroventricular(goldfish)160 nmol g-1 BWintraperitoneal(goldfish)
PubMed
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No comprehensive human trials have been conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of alpha-MSH and its derivatives on sexual behavior and appetite regulation. Additionally, the specific molecular mechanisms by which alpha-MSH influences osteoblast proliferation and its differential effects compared to desacetyl-alpha-MSH remain unclear and require further investigation.

Solubility

Alpha-MSH is soluble in water and aqueous buffers but has limited solubility in organic solvents like acetonitrile and DMSO.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Safety information is derived from published research and may not reflect all known risks. This is not medical advice.

Legal Status

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a medicinal product. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the TGA schedules. Considered a research chemical.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product. Available for research purposes.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

Community Insights

Community Insights

Publications per Year

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Pricing

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Mechanism

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Mechanism

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Legal Disclaimer

This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Many substances listed may not be approved for human use and may be subject to drug regulation laws (e.g., AMG in Germany, FDA in the US). PepStack does not encourage the use of any substance on humans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk. PepStack assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content provided. Full disclaimer