PT-141

About PT-141

PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide that's essentially a lab-made version of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It works as a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist – basically, it binds to several different melanocortin receptors throughout the body. What makes PT-141 particularly interesting to researchers is its strong affinity for three specific melanocortin receptors: MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R. Scientists are especially keen on studying how it interacts with the central MC3R and MC4R receptors. Here's what sets PT-141 apart from other compounds: it doesn't work through peripheral mechanisms. Instead, it takes the central nervous system route, specifically targeting the hypothalamus. In laboratory studies, researchers have found it influences neural circuits that are linked to arousal and motivation. Preclinical research has been digging into PT-141's role in melanocortin signalling cascades and how it modulates neurotransmitters. Animal studies have looked at its effects on dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways – the brain's reward and alertness systems, essentially. The compound's cyclic structure is actually quite clever. It's much more stable than linear peptides, which means it holds up better during extended research applications. That's a real advantage when you're running longer studies. PT-141 comes as a sterile lyophilised powder with over 98% purity, which has been verified through HPLC analysis. Each vial contains precisely measured quantities, so researchers can achieve accurate dosing in their laboratory protocols. This compound is strictly for in vitro research use only.

Research Applications

• Investigated for agonist activity at melanocortin MC3R and MC4R receptors in vitro
• Studied for association with central arousal-related signalling in rodent models
• Researched for influence on hypothalamic neuropeptide expression
• Associated with cAMP signalling pathways in melanocortin receptor assays
• Investigated as a structural analogue of α-MSH for receptor-binding research
• Studied for vasomotor and blood-pressure-marker responses in preclinical models

Research Mechanism — PT-141

A simplified summary of what PT-141 is studied for in research models. For laboratory in-vitro use only.

1. 1

   Molecular target

   A cyclic melanocortin-receptor agonist investigated for its binding affinity to central nervous system melanocortin receptors in research models.

   • Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4-R)
   • Melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3-R)
   • Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus circuits
2. 2

   Investigated pathways

   Preclinical studies have explored downstream effects on Gαs-coupled cAMP signalling, central neurotransmitter release, and autonomic-response markers in animal research.

   • Gαs-coupled cAMP–PKA signalling
   • Hypothalamic dopamine release studies
   • Oxytocinergic neurocircuit response assays
3. 3

   Preclinical research applications

   Used as a research tool in laboratory models exploring melanocortin neurobiology, central-nervous-system pharmacology, and behavioural-response research. Not approved for human use.

   • Rodent melanocortin receptor binding assays
   • Central nervous system signalling models
   • Behavioural neuroscience research studies

For research use only. PT-141 is not approved as a medicine in the UK and is not intended for human or veterinary administration. See the compliance page for full terms.