Research suggests that both Melanotan 1 (MT1) and Melanotan 2 (MT2) are artificial versions of the naturally occurring hormone alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (a-MSH). Let’s examine studies and development.
Studies suggest that binding both peptides to melanocortin receptors may result in several intriguing effects. Research indicates it is important to observe that MT1 and MT2 may influence melanin production and, by extension, skin color. Investigations purport that in addition to influencing sexual desire and performance, these factors may influence eating habits, blood pressure, the nervous system, and self-control. Unsurprisingly, questions about Melanotan 1 vs. 2 are frequently asked, given how functionally identical they are. Because, despite their similarities, several key distinctions distinguish Melanotan 1 and 2, we now compare and contrast these two peptides.
Studies proclaim that MT1 may preserve more of its progenitor molecule’s characteristics, especially color-related ones, due to its greater similarity to a-MSH than MT2. It has been hypothesized that Melanotan 1 and 2 are structurally similar, but the former might have higher receptor binding strengths. Researchers speculate that although Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 attach to melanocortin receptors, their effects may vary. The total effects of these peptides are changed because of their distinct binding preferences.
Melanotan 1 and Melanotan 2 Peptides: Receptor Interaction
Research purports that Melanotans 1 and 2 are not particularly selective as ligands of numerous melanocortin receptors. Both peptides have been theorized to attach to melanocortin receptors all over the body, though their affinities for MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R differ. It’s worth noting that neither seems to have much taste for MC2, which has been suggested to regulate HPA gland hormone production.
Studies suggest that the findings distinguish Melanotan 1 from MT2 because MT2 may have a heightened affinity for the MC4 receptor, whereas melanocortin 1 might maintain an increased MSH affinity for the MC1R. This indicates that Melanotan 2 may have greater sexual effects, including penile performance and sexual excitation, while Melanotan 1 might have bigger coloring effects.
Of course, Melanotan 1 and 2 are not identical, and their variations extend beyond their main receptor associations. According to studies, Melanotan 1 seems to have a major impact on the MC5 receptor located in pancreatic islet cells. Research has indicated that activating the MC5R might improve fatty acid metabolism, which could assist in weight loss [i]. Instead, Melanotan 2 has been hypothesized to have substantial impacts on the MC3 receptor.
Despite lacking information, the MC3 receptor has been linked to some traits in subjects with autistic spectrum conditions. Indeed, studies on MT2 have ascertained that it may help overcome the diminished social relations, reduced speech, and repetitious habits that characterize autism [ii].
In reality, before the discovery of melanocortin 1, the receptor communication pathway for melanocortin was completely new to scientists and thus poorly understood. This illustrates how even an unimportant finding can lead to a deeper knowledge of the body’s workings. With ongoing research, scientists are using the difference between Melanotan 1 and 2 to investigate the complexities of the melanocortin system and the part these receptors play in biology.
Melanotan 1 vs. Melanotan 2: Studies and Development
Melanocortins 1 and 2 have been studied with very distinct methods. MT2 was investigated as a pharmaceutical option for female hypoactive sexual drive disease and male erectile dysfunction, while MT1 was created as a sunless tanning product and then abandoned for years. These variations in study paths reflect the peptides’ various melanocortin receptor binding strengths, as suggested by studies.
As suggested by research, although MT1 was all but forgotten in the scientific community for a while, the peptide has recently grown in popularity. The University of Arizona is credited with developing Melanotan 1, which has been suggested to increase melanin by as much as 75% and reduce the chance of burning by as much as 47%. These qualities initially led developers to believe that MT1 could shield subjects from the harmful impacts of prolonged exposure to UV light on the skin [iii]. Many factors contributed to the failure of this attempt to use Melanotan 1, and the peptide has since been abandoned for scientific study.
More than 900 test subjects have participated in 15 clinical studies of MT1 overseen by researchers, leading to over 200 published articles [iv]. Other types of porphyria, vitiligo, xeroderma pigmentosa, vascular ischemia stroke, and even young subjects are among the conditions being studied. Dr. Philippe Wolgen claims that the company’s first MT1 research models were tested in April 2020.
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References
[i] C. L. Møller et al., “Characterization of murine melanocortin receptors mediating adipocyte lipolysis and examination of signaling pathways involved,” Mol. Cell. Endocrinol., vol. 341, no. 1–2, pp. 9–17, Jul. 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.03.010.
[ii] E. Minakova et al., “Melanotan-II reverses autistic features in a maternal immune activation mouse model of autism,” PloS One, vol. 14, no. 1, p. e0210389, 2019, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210389.
[iii] R. T. Dorr et al., “Effects of a superpotent melanotropic peptide in combination with solar UV radiation on tanning of the skin in human volunteers,” Arch. Dermatol., vol. 140, no. 7, pp. 827–835, Jul. 2004, doi: 10.1001/archderm.140.7.827.
[iv] “Pharmaceutical Technology,” Clinuvel. https://www.clinuvel.com/pharmaceutical-technology/
