PT-141 is a synthetic peptide that is being heavily researched for the compound to be further synthesized and narrowed to discover its uses. The main function of this peptide is to act as a melanocortin agonist (composed of 7 amino acids).
It is also a peptide that imitates alpha-MSH, which is a hormone that naturally occurs in an organism.
Also known as Bremelanotide, PT-141 is part of the same family that melanotan 2 belongs to. Other than the fact that PT 141 contains a hydroxyl group, both melanotan 2 and PT 141 share the same structure. The primary objective of studying this compound is to see whether it can be used in the development of medicine.
How Does PT 141 Work?
Upon studying the mechanism of this peptide, researchers found a few interesting things about how this compound works. PT 141 Bremelanotide peptide functions by indiscriminately exciting the melanocortin MC 1, 3, 4, and 5 receptors – but it presents a high affinity to the melanocortin 4 receptor.
For the MC receptors to activate, a variety of biological processes are involved. Some of these processes include the following: suppression of appetite, sexual arousal, pain reception, and skin pigmentation.
The primary mechanism of the PT 141 Bremelanotide, however, directly presents itself in the central nervous system (CNS) of the body.
The activation of these MC receptors have led researchers to the finding that the following reaction controls – and even inhibits – specific signals emitted to the body by the brain.
These particular, inhibited signals are linked to the cardiovascular function and inflammatory response of the body. This basically means that once the MC receptors make the shift, the signals relevant to these processes are moderated by the brain successfully.
What Does PT-141 Do?
The persistent research of PT-141 has presented it, through its results, as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction and – ultimately – hyposexual disorder.
Although those two are considered the primary effects of PT 141, they aren’t the only ones. Bremelanotide has also been shown to have an impact on skin complexion (a sun tanning effect), reception of pain, and appetite suppression.
PT-141 Benefits
The two primary benefits offered by PT 141 are sexual arousal and penile erection. One study has shown to promote the craving for sexual behavior in female rats that were administered with this peptide. All of these rats exhibited sexually aroused behaviors – such as mounting, hopping, and alluring.
This reaction is partly due to the elevated release of dopamine in the medial preoptic region of the brain – the area partly responsible for male and female sexual behavior in a variety of species.
Additionally, a 2008 clinical trial presented PT-141 as having a significant, positive impact on pre and post-menopausal women’s sexual desire and satisfaction.
In fact, a 2019 news release by the US FDA themselves stated that the administration approved Bremelanotide for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women – the treatment will be named “Vyleesi.” HSDD can be described as having a depressed sexual desire, which then leads to difficulty and apparent distress in interpersonal relationships.
This condition, HSDD, doesn’t come from other medical conditions, relationship issues, or side effects of drugs and medications. It just develops, on its own, in those who have had no prior issues with sexual desire.
Regarding penile erection, male rats that were given PT 141 in some experiments presented with regular, constant, and spontaneous penile erections. This is because the CNS’s MC4 receptors are associated with the regulation of erectile dysfunction, as well as sexual drive.
What’s more, PT 141 increased erectile activity by three times more, when compared to the widely used Viagra.
PT-141 Side Effects
According to the US FDA, the most common side effects of PT 141 are flushing, nausea and vomiting, headache, and reactions at the injection site. However, results from other studies have presented the following as potential side effects:
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
- Decreased heart rate and increased blood pressure
- Reactions at the injection site such as redness, itching, pain, bruising, tingling, or numbness
Buy Peptides
You can buy PT-141 (Bremelanotide) and other high quality peptides for research by checking out Core Peptides.
NOTE: The information found on this website and within this article is intended for educational or informational purposes only. Some or all of the content in these articles are not substantiated by a medical professional and may be based on the opinions of the writer who may not be a medical or accredited professional. Not intended for personal or human use. Please review our Terms and Conditions before purchasing.
Dr. Marinov (MD, Ph.D.) is a researcher and chief assistant professor in Preventative Medicine & Public Health. Prior to his professorship, Dr. Marinov practiced preventative, evidence-based medicine with an emphasis on Nutrition and Dietetics. He is widely published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals and specializes in peptide therapy research.