Dermorphin is a heptapeptide isolated from the skin secretions of the South American leaf frog *Phyllomedusa sauvagei* by Erspamer's group in 1981. Its sequence is Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH₂, and its molecular weight is 803.9 Da. Its most unusual feature is the D-Ala position at position 2-D-amino acids are almost never found in vertebrate endogenous peptides. This configuration serves two purposes: first, it blocks aminopeptidases (resulting in a significantly longer half-life than enkephalins, approximately 45–90 minutes); second, it precisely targets the μ-receptor binding position. It is not approved by the FDA, not marketed in China, and has no pharmaceutical use status in any country. Globally, its label is "research use only," but it is notorious in the horse racing industry and the grey market for injectable peptides, earning the nickname "frog." Juice
Main Functions and Physical Mechanisms
Dermorphin is a natural heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin of the South American tree frog (Phyllomedusa). Its most unique physical and molecular mechanism lies in the presence of a D-alanine (D-Ala) residue in its sequence. This specific post-translational modification gives it strong resistance to peptidases in mammals. At the receptor binding level, it is a highly selective, high-affinity μ-opioid receptor (MOR) complete agonist, with analgesic potency far exceeding that of traditional morphine. It works by potently activating central and peripheral μ-opioid receptors, inhibiting adenylate cyclase activity, and reducing intracellular cAMP levels, thereby... It blocks the transmission of pain signals, producing a potent and long-lasting analgesic effect.
Applications: In scientific research, Dermorphin is undoubtedly the "gold standard" peptide for studying opioid receptors and pain mechanisms. If you are working on neurobiology, pharmacology, or analgesic drug development, using it for ligand binding experiments of μ-opioid receptors, receptor desensitization studies, or observing central and peripheral analgesic pathways in animal models will yield very robust data. Additionally, because its mechanism of action is similar to morphine but its structure is different, it is also frequently used to study opioid tolerance and dependence, as well as the structure-activity relationship of developing novel non-addictive analgesics.
Storage Conditions:
Freeze-dried cake: Unopened Store at -20℃, protected from light (with desiccant), stable for over 24 months; -80℃ for even longer. At 2–8℃, it's only suitable for short-term storage (a few weeks). While D-Ala is stable at room temperature, Tyr residues oxidize and turn yellow upon exposure to light. Before opening, allow to reach room temperature to prevent condensation and dilution.
Reconstitution: Slowly push sterile water/physiological water along the wall, avoiding vortexing, and gently roll until clear. The solution contains two Tyr residues that are easily photosensitive; use amber bottles or wrap in aluminum foil. Single-use aliquots are the most stable. After reconstitution, aliquots at -80℃ can store for several months, at -20℃ for about 1 month, and at 2–8℃ for only 7–14 months. **Heavyweight**, repeated freeze-thaw cycles are absolutely forbidden-each freeze-thaw cycle causes heptapeptide aggregation and disulfide formation. While it doesn't contain disulfide, its hydrophobic regions will flocculate.
The working solution is fine at room temperature for a few hours, but don't leave it overnight at room temperature.
**Precautions** When dissolving Dermorphin, it's recommended to use sterile water or physiological saline. If it's difficult to dissolve, you can add a small amount of DMSO to aid dissolution, but never use a pipette tip to blow or aspirate vigorously, and never use sonication to violently shake it, as this can damage its spatial structure. Also, when conducting cell or animal experiments, be sure to accurately determine its concentration gradient; don't add too much at once just to see the effect. Although it's a potent analgesic, high doses may cause central nervous system depression or even catalepsy. Furthermore, it belongs to the potent opioid class of substances; always strictly adhere to laboratory safety protocols and take appropriate personal protective measures during handling. Finally, remember to keep detailed experimental records.
Hot Tags: high-purity 99% peptide, small vial of dermorphin. cas: 77614-16-5, China high-purity 99% peptide, small vial of dermorphin. cas: 77614-16-5 manufacturers, suppliers, factory
