Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) (200MG)

What Is Pentapeptide-18?

Pentapeptide-18, commercially known as Leuphasyl, is a synthetic neuropeptide composed of five amino acids with the sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu. This sequence is a modification of the naturally occurring opioid peptide Leu-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu), where the second glycine is replaced with D-Alanine. This D-Ala substitution prevents rapid enzymatic cleavage by epidermal proteases, significantly extending the peptide’s bioavailability and stability in research settings.

As a synthetic enkephalin analog, Pentapeptide-18 has attracted research interest for its ability to bind to enkephalin (opioid) receptors on the surface of nerve cells. Researchers investigate this peptide for its neuromodulatory properties, particularly its effects on neurotransmitter release and neuronal signaling. For those looking to buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland, Core Peptides offers high-quality research-grade material for laboratory applications.

Pentapeptide-18 Research Overview

Pentapeptide-18 belongs to the class of enkephalin analogs—synthetic peptides that mimic the structure and function of endogenous opioid peptides. The peptide’s design incorporates a D-Ala substitution at position 2, a common modification in enkephalin research that enhances resistance to enzymatic degradation while preserving receptor-binding activity.

Research interest in Pentapeptide-18 centers on its ability to modulate neurotransmitter release through enkephalin receptor activation. Studies have demonstrated that Pentapeptide-18 binds to enkephalin receptors (primarily δ-opioid receptors) on neuronal membranes, activating inhibitory Gi-proteins that suppress voltage-gated calcium channels and reduce acetylcholine release. This mechanism positions Pentapeptide-18 as a valuable research tool for investigating neuromodulation, synaptic transmission, and G-protein-coupled receptor signaling.

When researchers choose to buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland for laboratory studies, they gain access to a compound that may help elucidate mechanisms of neurotransmitter regulation, receptor-ligand interactions, and neuronal signaling pathways at the molecular level.

How Does Pentapeptide-18 Work?

Pentapeptide-18 exerts its biological effects through enkephalin receptor activation and subsequent modulation of neurotransmitter release. The peptide’s mechanism involves several interconnected steps.

Enkephalin Receptor Binding

Pentapeptide-18 binds to enkephalin receptors—primarily δ-opioid receptors—on the surface of neuronal cells. As a structural analog of Leu-enkephalin, the peptide shares the receptor-binding characteristics of endogenous enkephalins, allowing it to act as a receptor agonist at these sites.

Gi-Protein Activation

Upon receptor binding, Pentapeptide-18 activates inhibitory Gi-proteins coupled to the enkephalin receptor. This activation triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events characteristic of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation.

Calcium Channel Modulation

Activated Gi-proteins subsequently suppress voltage-gated calcium channels on the neuronal membrane. This calcium channel inhibition reduces calcium influx into the presynaptic terminal, which in turn decreases the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

Reduced Neurotransmitter Release

Consequently, Pentapeptide-18 reduces the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from neuronal cells. This mechanism operates without interfering with the SNARE complex—the molecular machinery responsible for synaptic vesicle fusion—providing a distinct pathway for modulating synaptic transmission.

Researchers who buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland for research purposes can investigate these mechanisms across diverse experimental models of neuromodulation and receptor signaling.

Why Is Pentapeptide-18 Studied?

Researchers study Pentapeptide-18 primarily for its potential relevance to neuromodulation, receptor signaling, and neurotransmitter research. The peptide’s ability to selectively activate enkephalin receptors and modulate neurotransmitter release makes it a valuable tool for understanding the molecular basis of synaptic transmission and neuronal communication.

The peptide’s connection to the endogenous opioid system has made it a focus of neuropharmacological research. Preclinical studies have explored Pentapeptide-18’s effects on neurotransmitter release, receptor binding kinetics, and neuronal signaling in various experimental models.

Moreover, researchers study Pentapeptide-18 in the context of GPCR signaling and drug development. As a stable enkephalin analog with enhanced enzymatic resistance, Pentapeptide-18 serves as a useful model compound for investigating receptor-ligand interactions and structure-activity relationships in the opioid receptor system.

Researchers who buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland from Core Peptides can incorporate this peptide into their studies on enkephalin receptor biology, neuromodulation, and neurotransmitter regulation.

Pentapeptide-18 Research Areas

Research Area	Description
Enkephalin Receptor Binding	Investigating Pentapeptide-18’s affinity and selectivity for opioid receptor subtypes
Neurotransmitter Modulation	Studying Pentapeptide-18’s effects on acetylcholine and other neurotransmitter release
Gi-Protein Signaling	Examining Pentapeptide-18’s activation of inhibitory G-protein signaling pathways
Calcium Channel Regulation	Exploring Pentapeptide-18’s modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels
Neuromuscular Research	Preclinical research into Pentapeptide-18’s effects at the neuromuscular junction
Receptor-Ligand Interactions	Investigating the molecular basis of enkephalin receptor binding and activation
GPCR Signaling	Studying Pentapeptide-18 as a model compound for G-protein-coupled receptor research
Neuronal Signaling	Exploring Pentapeptide-18’s effects on neuronal communication and synaptic transmission

Scientific Research on Pentapeptide-18

Researchers have conducted scientific studies on Pentapeptide-18 in both in vitro and ex vivo settings, deriving evidence from cell cultures, receptor-binding assays, and tissue samples. The peptide originates from the enkephalin analog research program, which has investigated modified opioid peptides for several decades.

In Vitro Evidence

In vitro studies using receptor-binding assays have demonstrated that Pentapeptide-18 binds to enkephalin receptors on neuronal membranes, activating inhibitory Gi-proteins that suppress voltage-gated calcium channels. The D-Ala substitution at position 2 provides resistance to enzymatic degradation by epidermal proteases, significantly extending the peptide’s stability in biological environments.

Studies have shown that Pentapeptide-18 reduces acetylcholine release through a pre-synaptic mechanism involving G-protein-mediated calcium channel inhibition. This mechanism does not interfere with the SNARE complex, distinguishing it from other neuromodulatory pathways.

Spectroscopic and Molecular Studies

Researchers have characterized Pentapeptide-18 using spectroscopic techniques and molecular interaction analysis. These studies have provided insights into the peptide’s structural properties and its molecular interactions with target receptors. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations have been employed to investigate the binding mode of Pentapeptide-18 to enkephalin receptors.

Clinical and Human Studies

Pentapeptide-18 has been investigated in human studies for its effects on expression lines and wrinkles. An active-controlled trial compared a cream containing 5% leuphasyl solution (0.05%) with other formulations, finding mean wrinkle reductions of 11.64%. Another study reported up to 35% reduction in wrinkle depth in the frontal region after 2 months of treatment. These studies suggest a synergistic effect between Leuphasyl and other peptides.

Nevertheless, researchers should note that Pentapeptide-18 has primarily been studied in the context of cosmetic applications, and mechanistic research has largely occurred in preclinical settings. Findings should be interpreted as experimental rather than established. Scientists who buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland should remain aware of these evidence considerations.

Pentapeptide-18 Compared With Related Peptides

Peptide	Relationship to Pentapeptide-18	Key Differences
Leu-enkephalin	Parent compound; Pentapeptide-18 is a modified analog	Leu-enkephalin has Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu; Pentapeptide-18 has D-Ala substitution at position 2 for enhanced stability
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3)	Both studied for neuromodulation and neurotransmitter research	Argireline inhibits SNARE complex; Pentapeptide-18 targets enkephalin receptors and Gi-protein signaling
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1	Both are neuropeptides studied for neuromodulation	Different sequences and mechanisms; both investigated for neurotransmitter modulation
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7	Both are synthetic peptides with skin research applications	Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 targets IL-6 and matrix remodeling; Pentapeptide-18 targets enkephalin receptors
GHK-Cu	Both studied for skin and cellular research	GHK-Cu is a copper complex with different mechanism; Pentapeptide-18 is an enkephalin receptor agonist

Research Applications

Researchers utilize Pentapeptide-18 in a variety of laboratory research applications, primarily in the fields of neuropharmacology, receptor biology, and cellular signaling. Key research applications include:

• Enkephalin Receptor Studies: Investigating Pentapeptide-18’s affinity and selectivity for opioid receptor subtypes
• Neurotransmitter Modulation Research: Studying Pentapeptide-18’s effects on acetylcholine and other neurotransmitter release
• Gi-Protein Signaling Studies: Examining Pentapeptide-18’s activation of inhibitory G-protein signaling pathways
• Calcium Channel Regulation Research: Exploring Pentapeptide-18’s modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels
• Neuromuscular Research: Preclinical research into Pentapeptide-18’s effects at the neuromuscular junction
• Receptor-Ligand Interaction Studies: Investigating the molecular basis of enkephalin receptor binding and activation
• GPCR Signaling Research: Studying Pentapeptide-18 as a model compound for G-protein-coupled receptor research
• Neuronal Signaling Studies: Exploring Pentapeptide-18’s effects on neuronal communication and synaptic transmission

Researchers who buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland can incorporate this peptide into their experimental protocols across these diverse research areas.

Pentapeptide-18 Product Specifications

Specification	Detail
Product Name	Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl)
Amount	200mg
Form	Lyophilized powder
Sequence (One-Letter)	Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu
Sequence (Three-Letter)	Tyrosine-D-Alanine-Glycine-Phenylalanine-Leucine
Molecular Formula	C29H39N5O7
Molecular Weight	Approximately 569.65 g/mol
CAS Number	64963-01-5
Synonyms	Leuphasyl, [D-Ala2]Leucine-Enkephalin
Mechanism	Enkephalin receptor agonist; Gi-protein activation; calcium channel inhibition
Research Category	Skin, Hair & Beauty Peptides
Purity	Not provided
Storage	Refer to product documentation

How to Evaluate Pentapeptide-18 Quality

When sourcing Pentapeptide-18 for research purposes, researchers should consider several quality indicators. A reliable Pentapeptide-18 peptide supplier should provide:

• Identity Confirmation: Analytical verification that the peptide matches the expected sequence (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu) and molecular weight (approximately 569.65 g/mol)
• Purity Analysis: Documentation of purity through methods such as HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
• Batch Information: Clear lot numbers and batch traceability
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Documentation of analytical testing results
• Proper Labeling: Accurate product identification and storage instructions
• Chirality Confirmation: Verification of the D-Ala substitution at position 2, as this is critical for the peptide’s enzymatic stability and biological activity

Researchers looking to buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland should seek suppliers who provide comprehensive documentation and quality assurance. Core Peptides remains committed to supporting research with properly documented products.

Understanding the Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provides analytical data for a specific batch of a research peptide. For Pentapeptide-18 research, a CoA typically includes:

• Identity Confirmation: Mass spectrometry or other analytical methods confirming the peptide’s identity
• Purity Assessment: HPLC chromatograms showing the purity of the peptide
• Batch/Lot Information: Unique identifiers for traceability
• Analytical Methods: Description of the testing methods used

Importantly, researchers should understand that a CoA demonstrates the chemical identity and purity of a peptide but does not establish safety, efficacy, therapeutic effectiveness, or suitability for human use. The CoA serves as a quality control document for research purposes only.

Storage and Stability

Proper storage of research peptides is essential for maintaining their integrity and stability. For Pentapeptide-18, researchers should refer to the product documentation provided with their order for specific storage recommendations.

The D-Ala substitution in Pentapeptide-18 provides enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to native Leu-enkephalin. Nevertheless, general best practices for peptide storage include keeping lyophilized peptides in a cool, dry environment, protected from light and moisture. For specific temperature requirements and reconstitution protocols, consult the applicable product documentation or contact Core Peptides for the applicable storage specifications.

Research Considerations

Researchers incorporating Pentapeptide-18 into their studies should be aware of several important considerations:

• Evidence Limitations: Pentapeptide-18 has primarily been studied in the context of cosmetic applications. Mechanistic research has largely occurred in preclinical settings, and findings should be interpreted as experimental rather than established.
• Experimental Status: Researchers consider Pentapeptide-18 an experimental compound. Therefore, findings should be interpreted within the context of early-stage research.
• Model Differences: Results from cell cultures, receptor-binding assays, and ex vivo tissue samples may not translate directly to complex biological outcomes.
• Regulatory Status: Pentapeptide-18 is not FDA-approved and is intended for laboratory research use only.
• Quality Considerations: Researchers should verify the quality and identity of their Pentapeptide-18 through appropriate analytical methods.
• Chirality Considerations: The D-Ala substitution at position 2 is critical for the peptide’s enzymatic stability. Researchers should verify this modification through appropriate analytical methods.
• Receptor Specificity: Pentapeptide-18 primarily targets δ-opioid receptors. Researchers should consider receptor selectivity when designing experiments.

Researchers who buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland should ensure their studies include appropriate controls and interpret findings with scientific rigor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pentapeptide-18

What is Pentapeptide-18?

Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl) is a synthetic enkephalin analog with the sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu, modified from Leu-enkephalin with a D-Ala substitution at position 2 for enhanced stability.

What is Pentapeptide-18 researched for?

Researchers primarily investigate Pentapeptide-18 for its ability to bind enkephalin receptors, activate Gi-protein signaling, and modulate neurotransmitter release, particularly acetylcholine.

What is the amino acid sequence of Pentapeptide-18?

The amino acid sequence of Pentapeptide-18 is Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Leu.

What is the molecular weight of Pentapeptide-18?

The molecular weight of Pentapeptide-18 is approximately 569.65 g/mol.

What is the CAS number for Pentapeptide-18?

The CAS number for Pentapeptide-18 is 64963-01-5.

What is the difference between Pentapeptide-18 and Leu-enkephalin?

Pentapeptide-18 is a modified analog of Leu-enkephalin (Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu) with a D-Ala substitution at position 2. This modification provides enhanced resistance to enzymatic degradation.

What receptors does Pentapeptide-18 target?

Pentapeptide-18 primarily targets enkephalin receptors—specifically δ-opioid receptors—on neuronal membranes.

Does Pentapeptide-18 have human clinical evidence?

Pentapeptide-18 has been studied in human trials for its effects on expression lines and wrinkles. However, mechanistic research has largely occurred in preclinical settings.

Is Pentapeptide-18 FDA-approved?

Pentapeptide-18 is not FDA-approved. It is intended for laboratory research use only and is not approved for human consumption or therapeutic use.

Can I buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland?

Yes, researchers can buy Pentapeptide-18 in Switzerland from Core Peptides for laboratory research purposes.

What is the primary research category for Pentapeptide-18?

Pentapeptide-18 belongs to the Skin, Hair & Beauty Peptides category, with secondary relevance to Cellular Research & Signaling research.

What related peptides are studied alongside Pentapeptide-18?

Related peptides include Leu-enkephalin, Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3), Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, and other enkephalin analogs.

What is the mechanism of action for Pentapeptide-18?

Pentapeptide-18 binds to enkephalin receptors, activates inhibitory Gi-proteins, suppresses voltage-gated calcium channels, and reduces acetylcholine release.

How should Pentapeptide-18 be stored?

Refer to the product documentation for specific storage recommendations. Peptides are generally stored lyophilized in cool, dry conditions.

What is the significance of the D-Ala substitution in Pentapeptide-18?

The D-Ala substitution at position 2 prevents rapid enzymatic cleavage by proteases, significantly extending the peptide’s bioavailability and stability in research settings.

Related Research Peptides

Researchers interested in Pentapeptide-18 may also find the following related peptides relevant to their work:

• Leu-enkephalin – The parent compound from which Pentapeptide-18 is derived
• Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-3) – A peptide studied for neuromodulation via SNARE complex inhibition
• Acetyl Hexapeptide-1 – A neuropeptide studied for neuromodulation and neurotransmitter research
• GHK-Cu – A copper peptide studied for skin and cellular research
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 – A peptide studied for skin matrix and anti-inflammatory research

For a comprehensive selection of research peptides in Switzerland, explore the Core Peptides catalog.

Explore Skin, Hair & Beauty Peptides

Pentapeptide-18 is part of our Skin, Hair & Beauty Peptides category, which features a range of research peptides investigated for their potential effects on skin biology, cellular signaling, and tissue health. Browse our selection to find the right peptides for your laboratory research.

Explore Related Research Categories

Researchers may also find the following related categories relevant to Pentapeptide-18 research:

• Cellular Research & Signaling – Peptides studied for receptor signaling and cellular communication
• Anti-Aging & Longevity – Peptides investigated for age-related research applications
• Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides – Peptides studied for neurological and cognitive research

Further Research

Researchers interested in learning more about Pentapeptide-18 and related peptides should consult the primary scientific literature. Key areas of investigation include enkephalin receptor biology, Gi-protein signaling, neurotransmitter modulation, and receptor-ligand interactions. The PubMed database is an excellent resource for accessing peer-reviewed research articles on these topics.

Research Disclaimer

Core Peptides supplies Pentapeptide-18 as a research peptide for laboratory research purposes only. It is not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or medical treatment. All information provided is for educational and scientific reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Researchers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use of research peptides in their jurisdiction, including Switzerland.