Description
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide and non-selective melanocortin receptor (MCR) agonist derived from the ?-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) analogue Melanotan II, with selective research interest focused on its activity at MC3R and MC4R the melanocortin receptor subtypes expressed in the central nervous system. Unlike peripheral vasodilatory compounds, PT-141 exerts its principal studied effects through central nervous system signalling pathways, particularly within the hypothalamus and limbic system, making it a unique research tool in neuroendocrine and behavioural pharmacology.
NeuroPept Labs supplies PT-141 Bremelanotide as a research-grade lyophilized peptide intended strictly for in vitro laboratory and analytical research use. All batches are synthesised under controlled conditions and verified through third-party analytical testing. COA validity can be confirmed at freedomdiagnosticstesting.com using the Accession Number, Client ID, or Search Code found in the product images.
Mechanism of Action (Research Overview)
PT-141 is a cyclic analogue of the endogenous peptide ?-MSH, engineered for enhanced metabolic stability and receptor binding. Its pharmacological profile encompasses agonist activity across multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, with MC3R and MC4R being the primary targets of current research interest:
- MC4R agonism (hypothalamus) MC4R is highly expressed in hypothalamic nuclei including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN); PT-141 activation of MC4R is studied for its role in appetite regulation, energy expenditure, and sexual arousal neurocircuitry
- MC3R agonism (limbic system) MC3R expression in limbic and hypothalamic regions positions this receptor as a target in reward signalling, feeding behaviour, and neuromodulatory research
- Central vs. peripheral mechanism unlike PDE5 inhibitors that act peripherally on vascular smooth muscle, PT-141 operates centrally through melanocortin CNS pathways, representing a fundamentally different mechanistic approach studied in sexual arousal neuroscience research
- Dopaminergic pathway interaction research suggests MC4R activation modulates mesolimbic dopaminergic signalling, with PT-141 studied in the context of reward, motivation, and arousal neurocircuits
- Melanocortin receptor selectivity profile also exhibits activity at MC1R (pigmentation), MC5R (exocrine glands), and to a lesser extent MC2R (adrenal), enabling broad melanocortin system receptor pharmacology research
Melanocortin Receptor Subtype Overview
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Receptor
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Primary Tissue
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Research Function
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PT-141 Activity
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MC1R
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Melanocytes, skin
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Pigmentation, UV response
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Agonist
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MC2R
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Adrenal cortex
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ACTH-mediated cortisol
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Low activity
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MC3R
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Hypothalamus, limbic
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Energy balance, reward
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Primary target
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MC4R
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Hypothalamus (PVN), CNS
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Appetite, arousal, energy expenditure
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Primary target
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MC5R
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Exocrine glands
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Sebaceous secretion
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Agonist
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Research Applications
- Melanocortin receptor pharmacology MC3R and MC4R binding kinetics, selectivity profiling, and receptor internalisation studies
- Sexual arousal neurocircuitry hypothalamic melanocortin pathway modulation and its relationship to CNS arousal networks
- Energy balance and appetite neuroscience MC4R-mediated hypothalamic regulation of feeding behaviour and energy expenditure
- Reward and dopaminergic pathway research interaction between melanocortin signalling and mesolimbic reward circuits
- Neuropeptide system research ?-MSH/ACTH peptide family signalling cascades and central melanocortin tone
- Structure-activity relationship studies evaluating cyclisation and sequence modifications on melanocortin receptor affinity and selectivity
Product Specifications
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Specification
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Detail
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Peptide Name
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PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
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Structure
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Cyclic heptapeptide, ?-MSH analogue
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Receptor Targets
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MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R (primary: MC3R/MC4R)
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Format
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Lyophilized powder
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Purity
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98% (HPLC verified)
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Storage
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-20°C or below, away from moisture and light
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Reconstitution
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Sterile bacteriostatic water (research use)
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Intended Use
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In vitro laboratory research only
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COA Verification
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freedomdiagnosticstesting.com
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Storage and Handling
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C or below prior to reconstitution
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Protect from direct light, humidity, and room temperature exposure
- Reconstitute using sterile laboratory solvents under aseptic conditions
- Once reconstituted, store at 4°C and use within recommended timeframes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PT-141 (Bremelanotide)?
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide derived from Melanotan II and related to the endogenous ?-MSH peptide. It acts as a melanocortin receptor agonist with primary activity at MC3R and MC4R in the central nervous system, studied in research contexts involving hypothalamic signalling, sexual arousal neurocircuitry, and melanocortin receptor pharmacology.
How does PT-141 differ from PDE5 inhibitors in research?
PDE5 inhibitors act peripherally on vascular smooth muscle through nitric oxide-cGMP signalling. PT-141 operates centrally via MC3R and MC4R activation in the hypothalamus and limbic system a fundamentally different mechanistic pathway. This distinction makes PT-141 a research tool for studying CNS-mediated arousal neurocircuitry independently of peripheral vascular mechanisms.
Which melanocortin receptors does PT-141 target?
PT-141 exhibits agonist activity at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Research interest is primarily focused on MC3R (hypothalamus/limbic system energy balance and reward) and MC4R (hypothalamic PVN appetite, arousal, and energy expenditure). These two CNS-expressed subtypes are the primary targets in sexual arousal and neuroendocrine research.
Scientific References
- Melanocortin Receptors, Melanotropic Peptides and Penile Erection PMC/NIH
- The Complete Research Guide to Melanocortin Receptor Activation Spartan Peptides 2026
- PT-141: Mechanism and How It Works Boston Medical Group 2025
Research Use Disclaimer: All products sold by NeuroPept Labs are intended strictly for in vitro laboratory research and scientific investigation by qualified professionals. They are not approved for human consumption, medical treatment, or veterinary use. Purchasers are responsible for compliance with applicable regulations in their jurisdiction.
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