01 · mechanism of action
Melanotan 2 (MT-2) is a synthetic cyclic analogue of natural α-MSH and binds as a broad-spectrum agonist to melanocortin receptors MC1R through MC5R. In animal studies on light-coloured mice MT-2 significantly increased melanin production in melanocytes — measurable by darkening of the coat within days. Studies on UV-exposed mice showed MT-2-treated animals exhibited significantly fewer UV-induced DNA damages, suggesting photoprotective properties of the induced melanin. Via MC4R appetite-suppressing effects were observed — treated rats consumed less food and showed reduced body fat percentage. In erectile dysfunction models it activated pro-erectile reflexes via MC3R/MC4R.