Melanocortins & copper peptides
AHK-Cu
Copper complex of the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys, an analogue of GHK-Cu, researched in dermal papilla cell culture.
| Purity | >98% |
| Molecular formula | C15H24CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 415.93 Da |
| CAS number | 767286-83-9 |
Research background
AHK-Cu is a copper peptide: the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys forms a complex with a copper(II) ion, just as GHK-Cu does with Gly-His-Lys, of which it is an analogue that swaps glycine for an alanine. Copper peptides owe much of the interest in them to this ability to carry copper, a cofactor of enzymes involved in the extracellular matrix.
Its literature is mostly from cell culture and the cosmetic field. In human dermal papilla cells — those that regulate the hair follicle — increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been described in the presence of the peptide. This is in vitro work: there are no clinical trials supporting those observations. It is sold as a research reagent, not as a cosmetic or a medicine.
Reconstitution and handling
- Work on a clean surface and disinfect the vial stopper with an alcohol wipe before piercing it.
- Add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the inner wall of the vial rather than landing on the powder.
- Do not shake. Swirl the vial gently until the lyophilized powder has fully dissolved: vigorous agitation degrades the peptide.
- The solution should come out clear. If it turns cloudy or shows suspended particles, do not use it.
