A-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (A-MSH)

Description

Overview of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)

It is important to note that PureRawz provides α-MSH exclusively as a research chemical designated for laboratory research use only.

Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous tridecapeptide neuropeptide belonging to the melanocortin family of peptides. 

It is derived from the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). It is produced in the pituitary gland, brain, and multiple peripheral tissues including keratinocytes and immune cells.

Researchers investigate the role of synthetic (α-MSH) in melanogenesis, thermoregulatory responses, and inflammatory modulation in preclinical research models.

α-MSH functions as a non-selective agonist at melanocortin receptor subtypes MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R, four of the five members of the melanocortin receptor family. MC2R is not engaged by α-MSH; it responds exclusively to ACTH. This broad receptor activity profile makes α-MSH a widely used reference ligand in melanocortin research.

Disclaimer: 

The products sold by PureRawz are intended solely for laboratory and research purposes. They are not FDA-approved for human or animal consumption, and PureRawz does not sell these compounds for use in humans or animals. All compounds are strictly for use by qualified researchers in controlled, non-clinical laboratory environments in compliance with applicable regulations.

Chemical Properties

PubChem CID	16133793
2D Structure
Molecular Formula	C77H109N21O19S
Synonyms	581-05-5 Alpha msh alpha Intermedin Intermedin, alpha MSH, alpha
CAS	581-05-5
Molecular Weight	1664.9 g/mol
IUPAC	N-acetyl-L-seryl-L-tyrosyl-L-seryl-L-methionyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-histidyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-arginyl-L-tryptophyl-glycyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-valinamide
Purity Method	≥ 99%
Identity Confirmation	Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Purity Standard	HPLC
Water (H₂O)	≥ 1 mg/mL; preferred reconstitution solvent, Highly Soluble
DMSO	Use at ≤ 0.1% final concentration in assays, Soluble

Proposed Working Mechanism of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)

Preclinical studies indicate that α-MSH exerts its activity through agonistic binding to melanocortin receptors — a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). α-MSH is a non-selective agonist active at MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. It does not engage MC2R, which responds exclusively to ACTH. 

Researchers believe that upon binding to MC1R in melanocyte cell lines, α-MSH initiates adenylate cyclase activation, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This downstream cAMP elevation modulates signaling cascades associated with melanogenesis and pigmentation pathway regulation in preclinical research models. 

Preclinical research indicates α-MSH engages MC3R and MC4R subtypes distributed in hypothalamic nuclei, including the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), as well as in limbic and brainstem regions. 

MC3R is implicated in energy homeostasis and natriuresis signaling pathways in experimental models. MC4R activation has been associated with energy homeostasis, autonomic regulation, and neuroendocrine output in preclinical systems.

Preclinical findings suggest α-MSH also engages MC5R, expressed predominantly in peripheral exocrine glands and immune tissue. MC5R activation is associated with modulation of exocrine gland secretion and immune-inflammatory response pathways in research models. 

In vitro and preclinical studies α-MSH studies indicate anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. These expressions include inhibitory effects on TNF-α and IL-6 signaling cascades in research models. 

Possible Research Applications

Melanogenesis research preclinical findings suggest α-MSH interacts with MC1R on melanocyte cell lines. A few other potential research applications of the peptides are as follows:

• Neuroendocrine Signaling Research Studies

Research models have been used to investigate α-MSH's binding affinity at hypothalamic MC3R and MC4R receptor subtypes. 

• Inflammatory Pathway Investigation

In vitro preclinical studies suggest α-MSH may exert anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in research models. 

• Thermoregulation Research

Preclinical research suggests α-MSH may influence hypothalamic thermoregulatory signaling. Researchers explore its investigational use in studies examining autonomic nervous system responses.

Risk and Handling

α-MSH is an investigational peptide intended exclusively for use by qualified researchers in controlled, non-clinical laboratory environments. This compound should be handled in accordance with standard laboratory safety protocols applicable to bioactive peptide substances.

Storage: The compound should be stored at −20°C in a sealed, moisture-resistant container, away from direct light and oxidizing agents. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles are inadvisable, as preclinical handling data suggests potential impact on compound integrity. Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored appropriately to maintain stability.

Handling Precautions: Researchers are advised to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including nitrile gloves, a laboratory coat, and eye protection when handling this compound. Work should be conducted in a biosafety cabinet or fume hood where applicable. Contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes should be avoided.

Toxicity and Data Limitations

Comprehensive toxicological profiling of synthetic α-MSH for human exposure is not established in the peer-reviewed literature. Available data derive from in vitro and preclinical model studies only.

No safety conclusions applicable to human exposure can be drawn from existing research data.

Regulatory Status

α-MSH is not approved by the FDA or any comparable regulatory authority for human therapeutic, veterinary, diagnostic, or clinical use. It is supplied exclusively as a Research Use Only (RUO) compound

for use by qualified researchers in controlled laboratory environments.

WADA Status

The WADA status of synthetic α-MSH should be independently verified via GlobalDRO.com before use in sport science or athletic performance research contexts. The 2026 WADA Prohibited List classifications are subject to annual revision. Researchers are responsible for confirming the current compliance status.

Disposal

Dispose of all unused compounds in compliance with applicable institutional and regulatory guidelines for investigational peptide research materials.

Buy Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) From Our Online

PureRawz supplies α-MSH as a research-grade investigational peptide. Each batch of α-MSH undergoes comprehensive first- and third-party testing, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for independent verification before use in research settings.

PureRawz maintains a 99%+ purity standard across its peptide catalog, confirmed through independent batch testing protocols utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry analysis. 

FAQs

What distinguishes α-MSH within melanocortin research?

Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH) is an endogenous tridecapeptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and classified within the melanocortin peptide family. In research settings, α-MSH is utilized as an investigational tool for studying melanocortin receptor pharmacology, neuroendocrine signaling, pigmentation biology, and inflammatory pathway regulation. Due to its broad receptor activity profile and established role in melanocortin system signaling, α-MSH is frequently employed in receptor characterization assays, cellular signaling studies, and preclinical investigations.

Why is α-MSH widely used in receptor studies?

α-MSH is commonly utilized in receptor research because it functions as a naturally occurring agonist at multiple melanocortin receptor subtypes, including MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Researchers use α-MSH as a reference ligand to evaluate receptor-binding affinity, intracellular signaling activity, receptor subtype selectivity, and ligand-response relationships in controlled experimental systems. Its established pharmacological profile also makes it valuable in comparative studies investigating synthetic melanocortin analogs and structure-activity relationships (SAR).

How does α-MSH function at the molecular level?

Preclinical data indicate that α-MSH binds to melanocortin receptors belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Upon receptor engagement, activation of adenylate cyclase is observed, resulting in increased intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) production and initiation of downstream signaling cascades. Experimental findings suggest that signaling outcomes vary depending on receptor subtype distribution, tissue expression patterns, and cellular context under investigation. These signaling mechanisms have made α-MSH an important research tool for studying GPCR-mediated biological responses.

What laboratory considerations are important when working with α-MSH?

Experimental protocols involving α-MSH should account for peptide stability, receptor subtype expression, assay sensitivity, signaling duration, and environmental storage conditions. Researchers typically evaluate dose-response behavior, receptor desensitization dynamics, and downstream signaling variability to support reproducible experimental outcomes. Appropriate control conditions and validated handling procedures are essential for maintaining experimental integrity.

Is α-MSH approved for therapeutic or clinical use?

No. α-MSH is not approved by the FDA or any comparable regulatory authority for therapeutic, veterinary, diagnostic, or clinical use. The compound is supplied strictly as an investigational research material intended exclusively for qualified researchers operating in controlled laboratory and preclinical research environments.

What is the difference between α-MSH and synthetic analogs like NDP-MSH?

α-MSH is the endogenous reference tridecapeptide with established activity across MC1R, MC3R, MC4R, and MC5R. Synthetic analogs such as NDP-MSH ([Nle4,D-Phe7]-α-MSH) are engineered for enhanced receptor binding potency and metabolic stability in experimental systems. Researchers use α-MSH as a baseline reference ligand when designing comparative pharmacology assays evaluating novel synthetic melanocortin compounds. [Biebermann et al., 2012] 

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Products are for research use only. Research must follow IRB or IACUC guidelines. Verify information independently before purchasing. By ordering, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. If you are not 100% satisfied with the product you received, please contact us at support@purerawz.co

ATTENTION: All our products are for LABORATORY AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY, not for veterinary or human use.

Reference Link

• Biebermann H, Kühnen P, Kleinau G, Krude H. "The neuroendocrine circuitry controlled by POMC, MSH, and AGRP." Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2012;(209):47–75. 🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22249810/ 
• Lipton JM, Catania A. "Anti-inflammatory actions of the neuroimmunomodulator alpha-MSH." Immunol Today. 1997 Mar;18(3):140–5. 🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9078687/ 
• Bhardwaj RS, et al. "New insights into the functions of alpha-MSH and related peptides in the immune system." Eur J Pharmacol. 2003. 🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12851308/ 
• Chiu WC, et al. "Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) and [Nle4, D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH: effects on core temperature in rats." PubMed. 1993. 🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8383852/ 
• Catania A, Lonati C, Sordi A, Carlin A, Leonardi P, Gatti S. The melanocortin system in control of inflammation. ScientificWorld Journal. 2010;10:1840–53. PMID: 20852827.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20852827/