A thorough review of PT-141 may interest researchers. A synthetic peptide called PT-141 has been suggested to significantly impact arousal and mating/sexual behaviors via activating specific brain receptors. In this review, we will take a look at the most examined PT-141 scenarios and see how they compare in studies related to:
- Libido
- Erectile function
- Hunger
In addition to finding out where to get high-quality PT-141 for reference, readers will also find in-depth information on the peptide’s hypothesized mechanisms if action and possible functions.
PT-141 Peptide: Mechanism of Action
PT-141, also known as Bremelanotide, is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide that appears to mimic the action of the pituitary gland’s major hormone, α melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH). Because of its interactions with several melanocortin receptors (MCRs), alpha-MSH influences various physiological functions. Except for the adrenal gland-specific MC2R, PT-141 has been hypothesized to activate all five known MCRs. The main alleged impacts of PT-141 activating MCR receptors are summarized below:
- Tanning and skin and hair/fur pigmentation may result from increased melanin synthesis brought about by interactions with MC1R in these tissues.
- When MC3R and MC4R are activated, they may greatly influence mating and sexual behavior in the organism.
- Controlling food intake and energy balance: MC3R and MC4R are considered to be critical in these processes. For instance, MC4R activation may lead to decreased hunger and weight reduction.
- Studies suggest that PT-141 may bind more strongly to MC4R than to MC1R or MC3R. MC4R is an essential regulator of sexual behavior, energy levels, and hunger in the medial preoptic region of the brain.
- It has been hypothesized that PT-141 may boost sexual desire by activating MC4R, which in turn stimulates brain circuits associated with sexual arousal and drive. Furthermore, when given in excess and at high concentrations, PT-141 may potentially promote melanin formation and contribute to skin pigmentation because it retains an affinity for MC1R in the skin barrier.
PT-141 Peptide: Research Functions
PT-141’s potential to activate the MC4R and enhance libido has been the subject of increased scientific study and testing.
There has been a plethora of phase 2b and phase 3 studies looking at PT-141’s potential in the context of FSAD and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). As a result of perceived positive impacts, PT-141 was evalauted in the course of research in the context of HSDD in premenopausal animal models. Also, PT-141 has been studied in male animal models, and what little research there is suggests that it may work well for increasing libido and erection sustainment.
Theoretically, PT-141 may elevate libido and sex drive in both sexes by stimulating the MC4R, which in turn increases dopamine and other neurotransmitters in regions of the brain associated with these functions.
According to PT-141 experimental data that is currently available, the peptide appears to significantly boost libido and sexual behavior only 45 minutes after exposure in female animal models. Investigations purport that PT-141 may help reduce energy intake and promote weight loss by decreasing appetite via its activation of MC4R.
The potential of PT-141 is being investigated in ongoing phase 1 experimental studies. One research study implied that research models of obesity exposed to PT-141 for 16 days appeared to have lost weight, more than the weight lost by the control group. The research models in the PT group also had their caloric intake restricted by set amounts daily.
PT-141 Peptide: Information for Researchers
The potential of PT-141 has been the subject of several research in the existing scientific literature. Some of the most important results concerning PT-141 so far are as follows:
To potentially find an alternative to existing traditional compounds, Safarinejad et al. (2008) aimed to test PT-141 in male research models of erectile dysfunction (ED). 75% of the models were exposed to PT-141, which appeared to exhibit practical advantages, compared to 8.5% of those in the control group.
In one study, diabetic research models of erectile dysfunction Phase IIb trial conducted by Steidle et al. (2007) randomly exposed research models to a control substance or or one of three concentrations of PT-141. There seemed to be a significant improvement in erectile function in all PT-141 groups compared to the control group.
In 2005, Diamond et al. studied the peptide’s impact in erectile dysfunction (ED). In a randomized cross-over design, the researchers evaluated either a control compound, PT-141, no compound, or PT-141 and control combinatorily. A statistically significant improvement in erectile response compared to the control compound alone was speculated in the group that received both PT-141 and the control.
Scientists interested in research-grade PT-141 peptide are encouraged to visit the biotechpeptides.com website for the highest-quality, most affordable research compounds.
References
[i] Sauter, M., Uhl, P., Burhenne, J., & Haefeli, W. E. (2020). Ultra-sensitive quantification of the therapeutic cyclic peptide bremelanotide utilizing UHPLC-MS/MS for evaluation of its oral plasma pharmacokinetics. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, 186, 113276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113276 [ii] Yeo, G. S. H., Chao, D. H. M., Siegert, A. M., Koerperich, Z. M., Ericson, M. D., Simonds, S. E., Larson, C. M., Luquet, S., Clarke, I., Sharma, S., Clément, K., Cowley, M. A., Haskell-Luevano, C., Van Der Ploeg, L., & Adan, R. A. H. (2021). The melanocortin pathway and energy homeostasis: From discovery to obesity therapy. Molecular metabolism, 48, 101206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101206 [iii] King, S. H., Mayorov, A. V., Balse-Srinivasan, P., Hruby, V. J., Vanderah, T. W., & Wessells, H. (2007). Melanocortin receptors, melanotropic peptides and penile erection. Current topics in medicinal chemistry, 7(11), 1098–1106. [iv] Mun, Y., Kim, W., & Shin, D. (2023). Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R): Pharmacological and Therapeutic Aspects. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(15), 12152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512152 [v] Edinoff, A. N., Sanders, N. M., Lewis, K. B., Apgar, T. L., Cornett, E. M., Kaye, A. M., & Kaye, A. D. (2022). Bremelanotide for Treatment of Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire. Neurology international, 14(1), 75–88. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurolint14010006 [vi] Safarinejad, M. R., & Hosseini, S. Y. (2008). Salvage of sildenafil failures with bremelanotide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study. The Journal of urology, 179(3), 1066–1071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2007.10.063 [vii] Pfaus, J. G., Sadiq, A., Spana, C., & Clayton, A. H. (2022). The neurobiology of bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. CNS spectrums, 27(3), 281– 289. https://doi.org/10.1017/S109285292100002X [viii] Spana, C., Jordan, R., & Fischkoff, S. (2022). Effect of bremelanotide on body weight of obese women: Data from two phase 1 randomized controlled trials. Diabetes, obesity & metabolism, 24(6), 1084–1093. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14672.
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