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Alpha-MSH

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

Immune System

MW: 1664.9g/mol
Formula: C77H109N21O19S

Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a peptide derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) precursor, classified as a melanocortin and known for its diverse physiological roles. Researchers primarily study α-MSH for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroendocrine functions. Key findings suggest that α-MSH exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties by modulating immune responses and has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans through cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathways. Additionally, studies indicate that α-MSH may influence sexual function via its action on melanocortin receptors in the brain. Current research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of α-MSH, particularly in the context of chronic inflammatory conditions and potential therapeutic applications.

Chemical Profile

Chemical Structure

Formula	C77H109N21O19S
Molecular Weight	1664.9 g/mol
CAS Number	581-05-5
PubChem CID	16133793

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 exerts its effects through binding to melanocortin receptors (MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5), activating G-protein-coupled signaling pathways that lead to increased adenylyl cyclase activity and elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. This signaling cascade is implicated in various biological processes, including anti-inflammatory responses, antimicrobial activity, and modulation of sexual function. While the precise mechanisms underlying all its actions are not fully understood, its role in enhancing osteoblast proliferation and exerting antimicrobial effects against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans has been established.

Research

121 Research Publications

3,095

Total Citations

Human/RCT

2.5

Avg. Influence

2024

Latest

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01Top

#01

Anatomy and physiology of the neuroendocrine arcuate nucleus.

ReviewInfluence8.0

305

Researchers observed that the arcuate nucleus contains diverse neuropeptides, including α-MSH, which may integrate various physiological functions and communicate with multiple brain regions.

5 mg/kgnot mentioned(mouse)not mentioned12.5 ngi.c.v.(not mentioned)not mentioned1 µgnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned1 µgnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned0.1 µgnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned

PubMed

02Top

#02

Receptor targeting for tumor localisation and therapy with radiopeptides.

ReviewInfluence2.0

259

Researchers observed that radiolabeled analogs of α-MSH and other neuropeptides have significant potential for clinical applications in tumor localization and therapy.

PubMed

03Top

#03

Melanocyte function and its control by melanocortin peptides.

ReviewInfluence6.0

227

Researchers observed that alpha-MSH regulates melanocyte function and skin homeostasis by increasing tyrosinase activity and melanin production via MC1R activation.

PubMed

#04

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

AnimalInfluence5.0

126

The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH analogs cyclized with rhenium and technetium exhibit altered receptor-binding affinities and significant tumor uptake for melanoma imaging.

12.5 ngintracerebroventricular(not mentioned)not mentioned50 pmol g-1intracerebroventricular(goldfish)not mentioned160 nmol g-1intraperitoneal(goldfish)not mentioned10(-15)-10(-7) Mnot mentioned(not mentioned)not mentioned

PubMed

#05

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

In VitroInfluence2.0

107

Researchers observed that alpha-MSH inhibits TNF-alpha production in human monocyte/macrophages, suggesting its role in regulating inflammation through an autocrine melanocortin circuit.

PubMed

#06

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

ReviewInfluence3.0

107

Researchers observed that alpha-MSH stimulates eumelanin synthesis in human melanocytes, indicating its potential role in skin pigmentation regulation despite low circulating levels.

100 ng/microliterperfusion(rat)

PubMed

#07

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

AnimalInfluence3.0

103

Researchers observed that social isolation in rats led to anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, which were associated with reduced alpha-MSH levels in specific brain regions.

PubMed

#08

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

HumanInfluence3.0

Researchers observed that tripeptide analogs of alpha-MSH activate MC1R and reduce UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes, indicating their potential for skin cancer prevention.

100 ng/microliterperfusion(rat)

PubMed

#09

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

AnimalInfluence2.0

The study demonstrated that obese Zucker rats exhibited lower levels of alpha-MSH and proOpiomelanocortin mRNA in the arcuate nucleus compared to lean rats, indicating reduced melanocortin system activity.

PubMed

#10

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

In Vitro

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

Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

No comprehensive human clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the long-term effects and safety of alpha-MSH and its synthetic derivatives, particularly in the context of their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the precise mechanisms by which alpha-MSH influences osteoblast proliferation and its differential effects compared to desacetyl-alpha-MSH remain poorly understood.

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

🇩🇪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

Publications per Year

49 total

Pricing

Price Comparison

BESTUmbrella LabsUS
10mg
$70.99
Price/mg
$7.10/mg
View
PeptaNovaEU
0.5mg
$583.20
Price/mg
$1166.40/mg
View
PeptaNovaEU
0.1mg
$151.20
Price/mg
$1512.00/mg
View

Vendor	Amount	Price	Price/mg	Link
BESTUmbrella LabsUS	10mg	$70.99	$7.10/mg	View
PeptaNovaEU	0.5mg	$583.20	$1166.40/mg	View
PeptaNovaEU	0.1mg	$151.20	$1512.00/mg	View

Top 5 of 3 offers from 21 vendors. Prices updated daily.

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Mechanism

Tools

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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