Melanotan II vs ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide)
ANP is a cardiac hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to stretch. It promotes natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation, playing key roles in blood pressure and fluid regulation.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Melanotan II | ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. | Binds to natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR-A) to activate guanylyl cyclase, producing cGMP. This leads to vasodilation, increased kidney filtration, and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. | Clinical use: Carperitide (recombinant ANP) used in Japan for acute heart failure at 0.1mcg/kg/min IV infusion. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. | Intravenous infusion only for clinical applications. Short half-life (~2 minutes) requires continuous administration. |
| Side Effects | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. | Hypotension (dose-limiting), headache, nausea, and potential arrhythmias at high doses. |
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