Melanotan 2 (MT2) (3mg x 10 Vials = 30mg)

What Is Melanotan 2 (MT-2)?

Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic version of human alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It was originally developed in the 1980s, at the University of Arizona, after it was found that α-MSH caused sexual arousal in rodents as well as darkening of the skin. Originally designed as a sunless tanning option, MT-2 was eventually found to have a wide range of effects such as:

• increasing sexual arousal,
• promoting tanning or skin pigmentation,
• reducing compulsive behavior,
• controlling addiction,
• fighting hunger,
• reversing features of autism.

Melanotan 2 Research

Melanotan 2 and Melanocortin Signaling

Melanotan 2 produces its effects by binding with melanocortin receptors. There are five known melanocortin receptors, each with different function. MT-2 is known to bind primarily to MC-4R and MC-1R, but also binds weakly to MC-3R.

• MC-1R: Found on melanocytes, stimulation of MC-1R causes darkening of the skin and hair.
• MC-2R: Found in the adrenal glands, MC-2R binding promotes the secretion of adrenal hormones, such as cortisol.
• MC-3R: MC-3R is involved in appetite control and energy regulation, but little else is known about this receptor.
• MC-4R: Stimulation of MC-4R causes changes in feeding and sexual behavior. It also affects male erectile function and energy homeostasis.
• MC-5R: MC-5R is expressed on sweat glands and pancreatic islet cells.

Melanotan 2 and Autism

The newest research finding for MT-2 indicates that the peptide can reverse certain autistic features in a commonly used mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is no treatment for the condition, but recent search has indicated that oxytocin therapy may be useful in mitigating some of the behavioral problems associated with ASD. Using a mouse model of maternal immune activation known to lead to autism, researchers investigated whether MT2, which is known to stimulate oxytocin release, could counteract ASD or reduce common ASD behaviors. Their research revealed that administration of MT-2 reverses the decreased communication, impaired social interaction, and repetitive behaviors associated with autism in this particular model. In fact, the researchers found that MT-2 administration increased the expression of oxytocin receptors in specific parts of the brain, suggesting a direct correlation between oxytocin signaling in those areas and ASD-specific behaviors.

These findings not only suggest potential avenues for developing a treatment for ASD, they have helped to define a specific brain pathway that may be integral to the development of ASD in the first place. These findings could help scientists develop a complete model of ASD and thus both treatments and preventative measures.

Melanotan 2 and Hunger

There is good evidence to suggest that MT-2 can reduce fat storage and hunger behavior in animal models. Researchers have found that the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC-4R) plays a role in food preferences and intake and that MT-2 is a potent agonist of MC-4R. Administration of MT-2 to mice causes significant reductions in how much food they consume, but also changes their preference for fatty foods. Mice given MT-2 ignore fatty foods, which they would otherwise prefer. Similarly, mice devoid of the MC-4R receptor consume fatty foods almost exclusively and are immune to the effects of MT-2

The effects of MT-2 are similar to those of the hormone leptin, sometimes called the satiety hormone because it reduces cravings and food intake. Leptin, however, has never been useful in the treatment of obesity, even in individuals who are leptin deficient. This is likely because there are two pathways for satiety, called leptin-dependent and leptin-independent pathways. Research suggests MT-2 is more effective in stimulating both pathways and thus may be a more effective exogenous treatment for reducing hunger.

Melanotan 2 and Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often attributed to vascular issues and can be effectively treated in a majority of men via sildenafil (Viagra) and other drugs that improve blood flow by reducing vascular resistance. Not all ED is due to vascular issues, however, and so sildenafil and similar drugs are ineffective in a small percentage of men and in the vast majority of women who suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder. It has long been known that MT-2 is an effective treatment for ED, but research suggests that it may have more wide-ranging application than drugs like sildenafil due to its actions in the central nervous system. In a study of men who had failed treatment with Viagra, eighty percent responded to MT-2 treatment.

Melanotan 2 Impacts Wakefulness

We don’t understand a great deal about sleep and arousal, except that the regulation of consciousness is a complicated part of higher brain function. Research has revealed, however, that several different populations of neurons in the brain are critical to different aspects of arousal such as sleep onset, depth of consciousness, duration of sleep, and more. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is one area of the brain that regulates arousal in response to stress, social interaction, feeding, and other cues.

Research using mice shows that stimulation with melanotan 2 increases arousal via interaction with neuronal fibers of the paraventricular nucleus. In fact, stimulation of this pathway can lead to immediate transition to wakefulness from both NREM and REM sleep[13]. Further research in this area may uncover how to improve sleep and enhance concentration via the melanocortin system, making peptides like melanotan 2 potential nootropics.

Melanotan 2 and Alzheimer's Disease

Past research has shown that activation of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived neuropeptide can rescue some of the synaptic dysfunction that is caused by the neurofibrillary (amyloid) tangles that arise in Alzheimer’s Disease. POMC-derived neuropeptide can be activated by melanocortin receptors, so mouse models were employed to investigate whether melanotan 2 could be useful in this setting. This research showed that melanotan 2 substantially reduces amyloid accumulation and prominently reduces the A1 subtype of reactive astrocytes. This latter fact is important because A1 astrocytes are thought to be a primary driver of neurotoxicity and neuron death in Alzheimer’s Disease[14]. These findings suggests that melanocortin activation may be a potential therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s Disease. This represents a novel pathway for investigating Alzheimer’s Disease treatment and may similarly provide a means of mitigating neurotoxicity in other degenerative brain diseases.

MT-2 Research

MT-2 is a heavily researched peptide, particularly regarding human behavior, sexual desire, and impulse control. The peptide, in various forms, has been investigated in clinical trials, though problems with routes of administration have forced scientists back to the drawing board. There is active and ongoing research into the benefits of this particular peptide.

MT-2 exhibits minimal to moderate side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. MT-2 for sale at Peptide Sciences is limited to educational and scientific research only, not for human consumption. Only buy MT-2 if you are a licensed researcher.

Storage Instructions:

All of our products are manufactured using the Lyophilization (Freeze Drying) process, which ensures that our products remain 100% stable for shipping 3-4 months reconstituted (mixed with bacteriostatic water) to maintain stability. After reconstitution, the peptides will remain stable for up to 30 days.

Lyophilization is a unique dehydration process, also known as cryodesiccation, where the peptides are frozen and then subjected to low pressure. This causes the water in the peptide vial to sublimate directly from solid to gas, leaving behind a stable, crystalline white structure known as lyophilized peptide. The puffy white powder can be stored at room temperature until you're ready to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water.

Once peptides have been received, it is imperative that they are kept cold and away from light. If the peptides will be used immediately, or in the next several days, weeks or months, short-term refrigeration under 4C (39F) is generally acceptable. Lyophilized peptides are usually stable at room temperatures for several weeks or more, so if they will be utilized within weeks or months such storage is typically adequate.

However, for longer term storage (several months to years) it is more preferable to store peptides in a freezer at -80C (-112F). When storing peptides for months or even years, freezing is optimal in order to preserve the peptide’s stability.

‍