The potent melanocortin receptor agonist melanotan-II promotes peripheral nerve regeneration and has neuroprotective properties in the rat

This 2003 preclinical study assessed the neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of melanotan-II, a potent melanocortin receptor agonist, in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. Rats received subcutaneous injections of melanotan-II at doses of 2, 20, or 50 μg/kg every 48 hours following a sciatic nerve crush injury. The 20