🟢Melanotan-II | 10 mg 🏆 Amber Edition

Melanotan II (MT-II) is a synthetic analogue of the alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), functioning primarily by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring melanocortins to increase melanin production in the body. This peptide garners interest due to its multifaceted effects on pigmentation, appetite regulation, and sexual arousal. MT-II exerts its influence by binding to melanocortin receptors (MCRs), particularly MC1R, MC3R, and MC4R. Activation of MC1R is chiefly associated with skin pigmentation, leading to enhanced melanin synthesis in melanocytes. In contrast, activation of MC3R and MC4R is implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis and sexual function, with MC4R specifically linked to appetite suppression and increased libido.

Upon binding to MC1R on melanocytes, MT-II initiates a signaling cascade via G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This binding stimulates adenylate cyclase, resulting in elevated cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. The increase in cAMP activates Protein Kinase A (PKA), which subsequently phosphorylates cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Activated CREB enhances the expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), a pivotal regulator in melanin synthesis. MITF, in turn, upregulates the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), and dopachrome tautomerase (TRP-2), all of which are crucial enzymes for melanin production.

Several genes are integral to this process. The MC1R gene encodes the melanocortin 1 receptor, with gene variants potentially affecting the efficacy of MT-II. The MITF gene encodes the MITF transcription factor, essential for melanocyte function and melanin synthesis. The TYR, TRP1, and TRP2 genes encode tyrosinase and related proteins critical for melanin biosynthesis. Binding of MT-II to MC1R leads to increased expression of MITF, TYR, TRP1, and TRP2, thereby enhancing the melanin synthesis pathway.

The physiological effects of MT-II are multifaceted. It promotes the synthesis of eumelanin, resulting in darker skin pigmentation and providing increased protection against UV radiation. In terms of appetite and energy regulation, MT-II's interaction with MC4R in the hypothalamus suppresses appetite and influences energy expenditure. Additionally, MT-II's activation of MC3R and MC4R has been shown to enhance sexual arousal and erectile function.

Melanotan II is a potent analogue of α-MSH that exerts its effects through the melanocortin receptor system, significantly impacting pigmentation, appetite, and sexual function. Its action involves a complex interplay of receptor activation, signal transduction via the cAMP pathway, and the regulation of key genes involved in melanin production. Through these mechanisms, MT-II influences several physiological processes, rendering it a molecule of considerable interest in both therapeutic and research contexts.