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Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 12, pages S74–S79 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

We review our experience with Melanotan II, a non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, in human subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED). Melanotan II was administered to 20 men with psychogenic and organic ED using a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design. Penile rigidity was monitored for 6 h using RigiScan. Level of sexual desire and side effects were reported with a questionnaire.

In the absence of sexual stimulation, Melanotan II led to penile erection in 17 of 20 men. Subjects experienced a mean of 41 min Rigiscan tip rigidity>80%. Increased sexual desire was reported after 13/19 (68%) doses of Melanotan II vs 4/21 (19%) of placebo (P<0.01). Nausea and yawning were frequently reported side effects due to Melanotan II; at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg, 12.9% of subjects had severe nausea. We conclude that Melanotan II is a potent initiator of penile erection in men with erectile dysfunction. Our findings warrant further investigation of melanocortin agonists and antagonists on penile erection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sections of Urology and Dermatology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine,

    H Wessells & N Levine

  2. Department of Cell Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    ME Hadley

  3. Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    R Dorr

  4. Department of Chemistry, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    V Hruby

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  1. H Wessells
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  2. N Levine
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  3. ME Hadley
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  4. R Dorr
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  5. V Hruby
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Correspondence to H Wessells.

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Wessells, H., Levine, N., Hadley, M. et al. Melanocortin receptor agonists, penile erection, and sexual motivation: human studies with Melanotan II. Int J Impot Res 12 (Suppl 4), S74–S79 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900582

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3900582

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