This is a working overview of melanocortin receptor, written for readers who want more than a one-paragraph summary but less than a textbook.
This page was last updated on 2026-08-01 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.
Receptor-binding studies classify melanotan II as a non-selective melanocortin agonist. It interacts with MC1R, MC3R, MC4R and MC5R, with reported affinities in the low nanomolar range and no strong subtype preference. Activation of MC1R on dermal melanocytes shifts pigment synthesis toward eumelanin, the dark polymer deposited in melanosomes and transferred to keratinocytes. Because the same peptide engages MC4R in the hypothalamus, it also appears in animal work on food intake and erectile response, which is why it is discussed in both pigment and metabolic research. Which receptor populations dominate after systemic exposure in humans is not fully established.
Published pharmacokinetic information is limited and comes mainly from small studies rather than registrational trials. Plasma half-life is usually described as short, on the order of tens of minutes, followed by rapid tissue distribution and clearance of the intact peptide. Metabolites and low concentrations of parent compound have been reported in urine, a detail relevant to anti-doping and forensic testing. Whether repeated exposure changes receptor sensitivity or clearance over time remains an open question. Values differ noticeably between analytical assays, so published numbers should be read as approximate rather than definitive.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic heptapeptide with the sequence Ac-Nle-cyclo[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-NH2, corresponding to a molecular formula of C50H69N15O9 and a monoisotopic mass near 1024 daltons. It was designed as a structural analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a peptide hormone produced by cleavage of proopiomelanocortin. A lactam bridge between the aspartate and lysine side chains closes the ring, and the C-terminal amide removes a free carboxyl group. Both modifications increase resistance to enzymatic degradation compared with the linear parent hormone. Four substitutions distinguish it from afamelanotide, the linear analogue studied under the name melanotan I.
Outside regulated medicine, melanotan II circulates through online vendors as a research chemical, often marketed for tanning. Products sold this way vary widely in purity, concentration, and labeling accuracy, and independent testing has documented discrepancies. Published reports describe both pigment effects and adverse reactions, including nausea, flushing, and darkening of existing moles. Long-term safety data are sparse, and no large controlled trial has established a risk profile. Questions about cumulative effects on melanocytes remain unresolved in the literature.
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog modeled on alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, a naturally occurring signaling peptide involved in pigmentation. Its structure is a cyclic heptapeptide containing two non-natural substitutions, norleucine at position four and D-phenylalanine at position seven. These modifications resist enzymatic breakdown and extend the molecule's activity relative to the native hormone. The compound binds melanocortin receptors and is studied mainly as a pharmacological tool rather than a therapeutic product. It has never received approval as a medicine in any major jurisdiction.
The compound was developed in the late 1980s and 1990s by academic researchers investigating photoprotection. The rationale held that stimulating melanin production might reduce ultraviolet damage to skin and lower skin cancer risk. Early work examined receptor binding, pigment response, and short-term tolerability in small studies. That program did not produce an approved drug, and formal development stalled after early-phase trials. Whether induced pigmentation confers meaningful photoprotection remains an open question.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C50H69N15O9 | Cyclic heptapeptide, C-terminally amidated |
| Approximate molecular mass | 1024 Da | Monoisotopic mass of the free peptide |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Typically supplied as a lyophilised solid |
| Solubility class | Soluble in water and polar solvents | Also dissolves in neutral aqueous buffer |
| Common synonyms | Melanotan II, MT-II, MT-2 | Described as a melanocortin agonist in early literature |
Melanocytes are the pigment-producing cells of the skin, and they carry melanocortin-1 receptors on their surface. When the receptor is activated, cyclic adenosine monophosphate rises inside the cell and raises the activity of enzymes such as tyrosinase, which increases melanin output. Melanotan-2 binds melanocortin-1 receptors in vitro and in animal models, and this binding is generally described as the basis for the tanning effect. Other receptors account for different effects: melanocortin-4 receptors contribute to appetite and erectile signalling, while melanocortin-3 and melanocortin-5 receptors contribute to energy balance and exocrine function.
Early published reports described melanotan-2 as a tanning agent without sun protection, which means darkening is not the same as protection against ultraviolet radiation. Later studies explored the peptide in erectile dysfunction, hemorrhagic shock, and some skin conditions. No regulator in the United States or Europe has approved it for clinical use. Many products labelled melanotan-2 are sold without approval and their identity and purity are unverified. Its long-term safety in humans remains an open question.
== History == Mazagran, a cold, sweetened coffee beverage that originated in Algeria around 1840, has been described by locals as "the original iced coffee". It was prepared with coffee syrup and cold water. Frozen coffee beverages, similar to slush, are documented in the 19th century. The Italian granita al caffè is a similar beverage. "Iced coffee"—coffee that has been brewed and then chilled with ice—appeared in menus and recipes in the late 19th century. Iced coffee was popularized by a marketing campaign of the Joint Coffee Trade Publicity Committee of the United States in 1920. Much later, it was marketed by chain outlets, including Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks.
In 1914, Lipton's tea was one of the sponsors for the first flight from Melbourne, Australia to Sydney, Australia by French aviator Maurice Guillaux, at the time the longest air mail and air freight flight in the world. Sponsor Lipton printed 250,000 copies of a letter Guillaux wrote saying "I found it the most delicious tea I have ever tasted. ... I found it very soothing to the nerves", and these could be had by sending Lipton a one-penny stamp. For a threepenny stamp, Lipton would send out a quarter-pound pack of tea. In an attempt to change the negative perception of iced tea in the United Kingdom – as 60% claimed they did not like the taste before even trying it – the Unilever PepsiCo joint venture carried out a London-based marketing campaign in 2010 under the slogan "Don't knock it 'til you’ve tried it!"; roaming demonstrators handed out 498,968 samples over the 58-day run. After the campaign, 87% of consumers claimed to enjoy Lipton Ice Tea, while 73% said they were more likely to purchase in the future. A similar campaign, with slogan "Let's Go!", was carried out in mid-2017. Lipton also made commercials starring the Muppets for the 2014 The Walt Disney Company film Muppets Most Wanted.
In the 16th century, Paracelsus (1493–1541) described diabetes as a constitutional disease that "irritates the kidneys" and provokes excessive urination. He reported that evaporating urine from a diabetic patient left an excessive residue, which he called "salts". It has, however, been noted that he advised tasting the urine for sweetness in other contexts. In 1674, Thomas Willis made reference to the sweet taste of diabetic urine in Pharmaceutice rationalis. While this reiterated ancient observations from across the Eurasian continent, it is generally understood to be the first explicit reference to sugary diabetic fluids in the modern European context. However, contrary to some claims that the term mellitus was added by Thomas Willis to specify the condition by its glycosuria, the word appears nowhere in his chapter on diabetes. The verifiable statement that may be derived from relevant sources is that Willis elaborated on glycosuria but did not distinguish between different types of diabetes. Notably, Willis disagreed with the common idea that the disorder originated in the kidneys ("Reins"), suggesting instead that it was a "Distemper of the Blood than of the Reins [Kidneys]". He also noted the connection between the condition and certain dietary habits, "chiefly an assiduous and immoderate drinking of Cider, Beer, or sharp Wines". The presence of sugar in the urine (glycosuria) and in the blood (hyperglycemia) was demonstrated through the work of a number of physicians in the late 18th century, including Robert Wyatt (1774) and Matthew Dobson (1776).
Most people are treated with levothyroxine, or a similar synthetic thyroid hormone. Different polymorphs of the compound have different solubilities and potencies. Additionally, natural thyroid hormone supplements from the dried thyroids of animals are available. Levothyroxine contains T4 only and is therefore largely ineffective for patients unable to convert T4 to T3. These patients may choose to take natural thyroid hormone, as it contains a mixture of T4 and T3, or alternatively supplement with a synthetic T3 treatment. In these cases, synthetic liothyronine is preferred due to the potential differences between the natural thyroid products. Some studies show that mixed therapy is beneficial to all patients, but the addition of lyothyronine causes side effects, so the medication should be evaluated on an individual basis. These desiccated thyroid extract formulations predate the modern FDA drug approval process and have not undergone formal FDA review for safety and efficacy under current approval standards. Thyroid hormones are generally well tolerated. Thyroid hormones are usually not dangerous for pregnant women or nursing mothers, but should be given under a physician's supervision. In fact, if a pregnant woman with hypothyroidism is left untreated, her fetus is at a higher risk for congenital disabilities relative to the norm. When pregnant, a woman with a low-functioning thyroid will also need to increase her dosage of thyroid hormone.
== Bibliography == Flory, Paul. (1953) Principles of Polymer Chemistry. Cornell University Press. ISBN 0-8014-0134-8. Flory, Paul. (1969) Statistical Mechanics of Chain Molecules. Interscience. ISBN 0-470-26495-0. Reissued 1989. ISBN 1-56990-019-1. Flory, Paul. (1985) Selected Works of Paul J. Flory. Stanford Univ Press. ISBN 0-8047-1277-8.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Another necessary and sufficient condition is that a convex quadrilateral ABCD is tangential if and only if the incircles in the two triangles ABC and ADC are tangent to each other. A characterization regarding the angles formed by diagonal BD and the four sides of a quadrilateral ABCD is due to Iosifescu. He proved in 1954 that a convex quadrilateral has an incircle if and only if
The IDF's mission is to "defend the existence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state of Israel. To protect the inhabitants of Israel and to combat all forms of terrorism which threaten the daily life." The Israeli military's primary principles derive from Israel's need to combat numerically superior opponents. One such principle, is the concept that Israel cannot afford to lose a single war. The IDF believes that this is possible if it can rapidly mobilize troops to insure that they engage the enemy in enemy territory. In the 21st century, various nonconventional threats including terrorist organizations, subterranean infrastructure operated by Hamas, etc. have forced the IDF to modify its official defense doctrine.
=== Diagnostic tests === The initial tests for thalassemias are: Complete blood count (CBC): Checks the number, size, and maturity of blood cells. Hemoglobin of less than 10 g/dl may indicate a carrier, below 7 g/dl is indicative of thalassemia major. In thalassemia major, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are less than 70 fl, in thalassemia intermedia, MCV levels are below 80 fl (The normal range for MCV is 80–100 fl). The Mentzer index can be a pointer for diagnosis of thalassemia; it can be calculated from a CBC report. Peripheral blood smear: A blood smear examined under a microscope can show red blood cells that are abnormal in shape (poikilocytosis or codocytes), color (hypochromic), or size (microcytic), as well as those with abnormal inclusions (Heinz bodies). Serum iron and ferritin: these tests are needed to rule out iron-deficiency anemia. For an exact diagnosis, the following tests can be performed:
== Principle == Cholecystokinin (CKK) is a peptide hormone secreted by I-cells in the intestinal mucosa. It stimulates the secretion of pancreatic fluid into the duodenum through the sphincter of oddi. This fluid is rich in pancreatic enzymes amylase, trypsin, and lipase. It also promotes contraction and relaxation of the gallbladder. Secretin is a peptide hormone that stimulates the secretion of both pancreatic fluid and bicarbonate. The Secretin-cholecystokinin test is considered the gold standard test of pancreatic exocrine function. It is now rarely used in adults in favour of non-invasive tests, though it is still used in some cases in infants with pancreatic insufficiency to distinguish between cystic fibrosis and Schwachman-Diamond syndrome.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== History == Ivar Bang first described the DBS as an unusual sampling method in 1913. The concept that capillary blood, obtained from pricking the heel or finger and blotted onto filter paper, could be used to screen for metabolic diseases in large populations of neonates was introduced in Scotland by Robert Guthrie in 1963. Neonatal screening for phenylketonuria became nationwide in 1969–70. Since then, Guthrie card samples have been collected routinely from infants in over 20 countries to screen for phenylketonuria and more recently for congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disorders and HIV infection. The limitations of sensitivity and specificity when screening such small volumes of blood restricted the use of dried blood spots for many years. However, recent advances such as the production of monoclonal antibodies, expression of synthetic proteins, and the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction have overcome many of these problems. This type of blood testing is now available for use at home by consumers in the U.S. Available blood tests include vitamin D, estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, TSH and lipids. New York is the only state that prohibits home blood spot testing.
The process required pressing tungsten powder into bars, then several steps of sintering, swaging, and then wire drawing. It was found that very pure tungsten formed filaments that sagged in use, and that a very small "doping" treatment with potassium, silicon, and aluminum oxides at the level of a few hundred parts per million (so-called AKS tungsten) greatly improved the life and durability of the tungsten filaments. The predominant mechanism for failure in tungsten filaments even now is grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusional creep. During operation, the tungsten wire is stressed under the load of its own weight and because of the diffusion that can occur at high temperatures, grains begin to rotate and slide. This stress, because of variations in the filament, causes the filament to sag nonuniformly, which ultimately introduces further torque on the filament. It is this sagging that inevitably results in a rupture of the filament, rendering the incandescent lightbulb useless.
Semiconductors, metals, and ceramics are used today to form highly complex systems, such as integrated electronic circuits, optoelectronic devices, and magnetic and optical mass storage media. Semiconductors are a traditional example of these types of materials. They are materials that have properties that are intermediate between conductors and insulators. Their electrical conductivities are very sensitive to the concentration of impurities, which allows the use of doping to achieve desirable electronic properties. Hence, semiconductors form the basis of the traditional computer. This field also includes new areas of research such as superconducting materials, spintronics, metamaterials, etc. The study of these materials involves knowledge of materials science and solid-state physics or condensed matter physics.
Sasaki laboratory and others of the kind, the multi-million dollar cost of such laboratories has prevented adoption by smaller groups. This is all more difficult because devices made by different manufactures often cannot communicate with each other. However, recent advances based on the use of scripting languages like Autoit have made possible the integration of equipment from different manufacturers. Using this approach, many low-cost electronic devices, including open-source devices, become compatible with common laboratory instruments. Some startups such as Emerald Cloud Lab and Strateos provide on-demand and remote laboratory access on a commercial scale. A 2017 study indicates that these commercial-scale, fully integrated automated laboratories can improve reproducibility and transparency in basic biomedical experiments, and that over nine in ten biomedical papers use methods currently available through these groups.
Overall, transacetalization plays a lesser role in forming protective acetals; they are formed as a rule from glycols through dehydration. Normally a simple glycol like ethylene glycol or 1,3-propadiol is used for acetalization. Modern variants also use glycols, but with the hydroxyl hydrogens replaced with a trimethylsilyl group. Acetals can be removed in acidic aqueous conditions. For those ends, the mineral acids are appropriate acids. Acetone is a common cosolvent, used to promote dissolution. For a non-acidic cleavage technique, a palladium(II) chloride acetonitrile complex in acetone or iron(III) chloride on silica gel can be performed with workup in chloroform. Cyclic acetals are very much more stable against acid hydrolysis than acyclic acetals. Consequently acyclic acetals are used practically only when a very mild cleavage is required or when two different protected carbonyl groups must be differentiated in their liberation. Besides the O,O-acetals, the S,O- and S,S-acetals also have an application, albeit scant, as carbonyl protecting groups too. Thiols, which one begins with to form these acetals, have a very unpleasant stench and are poisonous, which severely limit their applications. Thioacetals and the mixed S,O-acetals are, unlike the pure O,O-acetals, very much stabler against acid hydrolysis. This enables the selective cleavage of the latter in the presence of sulfur-protected carbonyl groups. The formation of S,S-acetals normally follows analogously to the O,O-acetals with acid catalysis from a dithiol and the carbonyl compound.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
No. It is a synthetic analogue carrying four amino acid changes, a lactam ring and an amidated C-terminus. The natural hormone is a linear thirteen-amino-acid peptide processed from proopiomelanocortin.
Afamelanotide is the linear analogue [Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, sometimes called melanotan I, while melanotan II is cyclic and carries three further substitutions. The two are distinct molecules and are not interchangeable in analytical testing.
Binding to the four melanocortin receptor subtypes is well documented in vitro. The relative contribution of each subtype to whole-body effects in humans is far less certain.
It is a synthetic cyclic peptide designed as an analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It acts on melanocortin receptors and is best known from research into pigmentation. It is not an approved pharmaceutical product.