Melanocyte-inhibiting factor
Melanocyte-inhibiting factor is an endogenous peptide fragment derived from cleavage of the hormone oxytocin, but having generally different actions in the body. MIF-1 produces multiple effects, both blocking the effects of opioid receptor activation, while at the same time acting as a positive allosteric modulator of the D2 and D4 dopamine receptor subtypes, as well as inhibiting release of other neuropeptides such as alpha-MSH, and potentiating melatonin activity.
This complex mix of actions produces a profile of antidepressant, nootropic, and anti-Parkinsonian effects when MIF-1 is administered, and it has been investigated for various medical uses. MIF-1 is unusually resistant to metabolism in the bloodstream, and crosses the blood–brain barrier easily, though it is poorly active orally and is usually injected. Several other closely related peptides with important actions in the body include Tyr-MIF-1 and endomorphin-1 and -2.
