Dermorphin
PreclinicalNaturally derived opioid peptide
Research material. Not for human or animal consumption.
Research overview
Dermorphin, Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2, was isolated in 1981 from the skin of South American Phyllomedusa frogs. It was one of the first animal peptides found to contain a D-amino acid made naturally, by converting an L-alanine after translation. Dermorphin is a highly selective and potent mu-opioid receptor agonist, much stronger than morphine in rodent studies. It has been detected in racehorse doping cases and is banned in competition.
Laboratory, computational, ex vivo or animal model research is the main evidence base.
Questions about Dermorphin
PRODUCT QUESTIONSWhat is Dermorphin?
Dermorphin is a seven residue amidated peptide with D alanine at position 2. It is a natural opioid peptide from amphibian skin and is not produced in mammals.
What research has been published on Dermorphin?
Evidence is mainly preclinical: receptor binding, rodent analgesia models and studies of how the D alanine protects it from enzymes. It inspired many synthetic mu selective analogues used as research tools. Forensic laboratories have developed methods to detect it in horses.
What batch documentation should accompany Dermorphin?
Dermorphin: Ask for the COA and analytical reports for the batch being quoted. The D alanine is essential, so ask for chiral purity data alongside mass spectrometry, HPLC purity and peptide content.
How should Dermorphin storage conditions be assessed?
Store Dermorphin lyophilised at −20°C, dry and protected from light. It is more stable than enkephalins, but solutions should still be refrigerated and used promptly.