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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 appetite, sexual behavior, and immune responses. Key findings indicate that α-MSH possesses anti-inflammatory properties and antimicrobial activity, with studies suggesting its potential to modulate immune cell function and enhance the proliferation of osteoblasts. Additionally, preclinical evidence indicates that α-MSH may interact with other neuropeptides, such as oxytocin, to influence complex behaviors. Current research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of α-MSH in health and disease, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.

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 the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway, which leads to increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). This signaling cascade is implicated in various biological processes, including anti-inflammatory responses, antimicrobial activity, and modulation of feeding and sexual behaviors. Although the precise mechanisms underlying all of its effects are not fully understood, its ability to influence multiple pathways highlights its multifaceted role in physiology.

Research

79 Research Publications

1,885

Total Citations

8

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 via metal coordination significantly altered receptor-binding affinity, with a second-generation complex showing a 25-fold improvement and effective tumor imaging in a murine model.
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

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

In VitroInfluence2.0
107
Researchers observed that α-MSH inhibits TNF-alpha production in human monocyte/macrophage cells, suggesting an autocrine regulatory circuit involving melanocortin peptides 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
#03

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

ReviewInfluence3.0
107
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH can stimulate eumelanin production in human melanocytes, suggesting its role in regulating skin pigmentation despite low circulating levels in humans.
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 reduces α-MSH levels and induces anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, which can be 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 activated the melanocortin 1 receptor and reduced UV-induced DNA damage in human melanocytes, highlighting their potential for skin cancer prevention.
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

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
#07

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

AnimalInfluence1.0
79
Researchers observed lower levels of alpha-MSH and proopiomelanocortin mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of obese Zucker rats compared to lean rats, suggesting reduced melanocortin system activity may contribute to hyperphagia.
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
#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 the hypothalamus, suggesting its role in regulating energy balance and food intake in obese Zucker rats.
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

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

Singh Madhuri & Mukhopadhyay Kasturi · BioMed research international · 2014

Review
68
Researchers observed that α-MSH exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, 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
#10

The neuropeptide alpha-MSH has specific receptors on neutrophils and reduces chemotaxis in vitro.

In VitroInfluence3.0
67
The study demonstrated that alpha-MSH inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in humans, likely contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of cAMP 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
Safety

Safety & Handling

Research Gaps

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

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