Preclinical effects of melanocortins in male sexual dysfunction.
Shadiack. A M AM; Althof. S S
Key Findings
- Melanocortin receptors have both central and peripheral roles in sexual function
- Bremelanotide triggers erections in preclinical (animal) models
- It may also enhance sexual drive or behavior beyond just erection
Practical Outcomes
- For biohackers, bremelanotide looks promising as a CNS‑acting sexual enhancer, but it’s still only tested in animals. Until human safety and dosing data are available, it’s best treated as a research candidate rather than a ready‑to‑use supplement, and any experimentation should start at the lowest possible dose with careful monitoring.
Summary
This study shows that the peptide bremelanotide (pt‑141), which activates melanocortin receptors, can cause erections and boost sexual activity in animal tests by acting on the brain and possibly the genitals.
Abstract
The neurobiology of sexual behavior involves the interrelationships between sex steroids and neurotransmitters that result in both central nervous system (CNS) effects and effects in the genitalia. Tools such as positron emission tomography (PET) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning can help determine what areas of the brain are activated under sexual stimulation. Our understanding of the role of various neurotransmitters, neurosteroids and other CNS-acting compounds is improving. The role of CNS-acting compounds such as dopamine agonists in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction is under active investigation. Melanocortins have CNS and peripheral roles in a wide variety of bodily functions. The melanocortin agonist bremelanotide appears to act in the CNS to promote erections in preclinical models, and may also stimulate behaviors that facilitate sexual activity beyond their erectogenic effects.
Study Information
pubmed
2008
2008-06-15T00:00:00.000Z
10.1038/ijir.2008.17
6
35