PT-141 (Bremelanotide)

PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is a synthetic melanocortin peptide developed for experimental investigation of melanocortin receptor (MCR) signaling. Structurally related to melanotan-class analogs (including Melanotan II), PT-141 functions as a potent agonist at melanocortin receptors—most notably MC3R and MC4R—making it a valuable tool in mechanistic and pathway-driven research.

In controlled laboratory settings, PT-141 is widely utilized to probe G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, neuropeptide signaling, and neuroendocrine regulatory networks, particularly those associated with hypothalamic signaling and CNS-linked pathways.

Key Features & Research Utility

• Synthetic melanocortin receptor agonist for receptor pharmacology studies
• High relevance to MC3R- and MC4R-mediated signaling pathways
• Supports investigation of GPCR-driven second-messenger cascades (e.g., cAMP/PKA)
• Commonly applied in CNS, neuroendocrine, inflammation, and pigmentation research models
• Suitable for both in vitro assays and in vivo preclinical studies

Biochemical Profile

Mechanistic & Pathway Context

Melanocortin receptors are GPCRs that primarily couple to Gₛ proteins, leading to increased intracellular cAMP levels and activation of PKA-dependent transcriptional programs. PT-141–mediated receptor activation is frequently assessed through:

• cAMP accumulation assays
• CREB-linked transcriptional readouts
• MAPK/ERK phosphorylation profiling
• Receptor desensitization and internalization studies

Because multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes may be co-expressed across tissues, studies often incorporate receptor-selective antagonists or genetic models to attribute signaling outcomes to specific receptor populations.

Research Applications

Preclinical Research Overview

PT-141 has been incorporated into a variety of preclinical experimental models, including rodent systems, to characterize melanocortin-linked signaling networks and downstream transcriptional responses. MC4R-deficient and pharmacologically blocked models are frequently employed to validate receptor-specific pathway involvement. Additional studies extend into immune-adjacent paradigms to examine the intersection between melanocortin signaling and inflammatory mediator regulation.

Form & Analytical Verification

PT-141 is supplied as a synthetic research peptide suitable for controlled laboratory workflows. Standard quality-control procedures typically include:

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity assessment
• Mass spectrometry (MS) for identity confirmation
• Batch documentation to support reproducibility in RUO study designs

Disclaimer

This product is sold For Research Use Only (RUO).

Not for human or animal consumption.

Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, medical, or veterinary use.

Important Legal & Educational Notice

This document is provided solely for general educational and informational purposes. It does NOT provide medical advice, legal advice, dosing guidance, treatment instructions, or recommendations of any kind. Nothing in this document recommends, suggests, instructs, or endorses the use of any peptide, compound, injection technique, dosage, timing, frequency, or anatomical site. All information must be independently verified with a licensed medical professional. This document is intended to comply with applicable laws and regulations of the State of California.