Apelin
An endogenous peptide hormone that regulates blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and fluid homeostasis through APJ receptor signaling.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to Apelin
What it does
Apelin is a natural substance your body makes that helps control blood pressure, strengthens heart contractions, and manages fluid balance. Researchers study it to support overall heart health and exercise performance.
Typical dose
Researchers typically use 100-300 micrograms (mcg) injected under the skin once or twice daily, usually starting at the lower end and adjusting based on how the body responds.
When to inject
Morning and/or evening at consistent times each day work well in research settings; pick times you'll remember and stick to them.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in the freezer until you're ready to use it. After mixing with the provided solution, store in the refrigerator and use within the timeframe specified by your supplier.
First-timer tip
Start with the lowest dose (100 mcg) for your first week to see how your body responds before increasing, and always inject at the same times each day for consistency.
On This Page
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Redness, mild swelling, or bruising at injection site. Usually resolves within 24-48 hours. Minimize by rotating sites, using proper injection technique, and allowing solution to reach room temperature.
Temporary drop in blood pressure, particularly with initial doses. May cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Typically mild and self-resolving. Monitor blood pressure, especially if on antihypertensive medications.
Mild to moderate headache reported in some research subjects. Usually transient and resolves within hours. May be related to vasodilation or fluid shifts.
Transient sensation of warmth or flushing, likely due to vasodilation. Typically brief and self-limiting.
Mild water retention or slight weight gain reported in some subjects. Related to apelin's role in fluid homeostasis. Monitor weight and sodium intake.
Occasional mild nausea reported. Usually transient. May be minimized by injecting at consistent times and maintaining adequate hydration.
Apelin enhances insulin sensitivity; users with diabetes or on glucose-lowering medications should monitor blood glucose closely. Risk of low blood sugar if doses are not adjusted appropriately.
Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 100-300 mcg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Half-life | Approximately 30-60 minutes in circulation (varies by variant and species) |
| Sequence | Members only |
Apelin is an endogenous peptide hormone that binds to the APJ receptor (a G-protein coupled receptor) to regulate cardiovascular function, blood pressure, and fluid homeostasis. It enhances cardiac contractility, promotes vasodilation through nitric oxide signaling, and modulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Apelin also plays roles in glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory responses.
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Recent Research
Proteomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Candidate Biomarkers and Meat Quality Differences in Divergent Climatically Adapted Sheep Breeds.
Apelin-13 activates the BMP4/SMAD pathway through APJ to enhance osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization.
Microneedle patch-based delivery of Pyr-Apelin-13 reverses functional and structural deficits in age-related sarcopenia.
Source: PubMed / NCBI. Updated daily. Articles are listed for research reference only.
Research Citations
5 sources
Kleinz MJ, Davenport AP. (2005). Emerging roles of apelin in biology and medicine. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 107(2):198-211. PMID: 15907343
Tatemoto K, et al. (1998). Isolation and characterization of a novel endogenous peptide ligand for the human APJ receptor. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 251(2):471-476. PMID: 9792798
Charo DN, et al. (2009). Endogenous regulation of cardiovascular function by apelin-APJ. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology. 297(5):H1861-H1869. PMID: 19717735
Japp AG, Cruden NL, et al. (2010). Vascular effects of apelin in vivo in man. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 52(11):908-913. PMID: 20579538
Zeng H, et al. (2012). Apelin protects heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury through activating PI3K/Akt pathway. Medical Science Monitor. 18(4):BR148-BR152. PMID: 22460078
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Research Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Apelin is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.