Also called alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone · alpha-MSH · melanocyte stimulating hormone
α-MSH (alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is a 13-amino-acid peptide cleaved from POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin). It is the primary endogenous agonist of melanocortin receptors, activating MC1R (pigmentation), MC3R (energy balance), MC4R (sexual response, appetite), and MC5R (exocrine secretion). Synthetic analogs of α-MSH include melanotan-2 and PT-141, and fragments include KPV.
Research use only. This definition is an educational reference, not medical advice or dosing guidance.