KPV
Also known as: Lysine-Proline-Valine, α-MSH(11-13)
KPV is a C-terminal tripeptide of α-MSH with potent anti-inflammatory effects. It is being researched for inflammatory bowel disease and various inflammatory conditions.
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Mild erythema, itching, or transient swelling at the injection site. Usually resolves within 1-2 hours. Minimize by rotating sites, allowing solution to reach room temperature, and using proper injection technique. Apply ice if needed.
Transient facial flushing or warmth may occur within minutes of injection, likely due to melanocortin receptor activation on vascular endothelium. Resolves spontaneously within 10-30 minutes.
Mild nausea has been reported in some users, particularly with initial doses. Taking with food or reducing dose frequency may help. Usually diminishes with continued use.
Some users report mild appetite reduction, consistent with melanocortin pathway activation. This is typically mild and transient.
Occasional mild headache reported. Ensure adequate hydration and consider timing of injection relative to other activities.
Theoretical risk due to melanocortin receptor activation on melanocytes; not well-documented in clinical use of KPV at research doses. Monitor for changes in skin pigmentation with prolonged use.
Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction is extremely rare but possible in individuals with peptide sensitivity. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, throat tightness, severe rash, or swelling. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur. Have an epinephrine auto-injector available if you have a history of peptide allergies.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 500-1000 mcg |
| Frequency | 1-2x daily |
| Timing | With or without food |
| Route | Subcutaneous, Oral |
Can be taken orally for gut issues or injected for systemic effects.
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
| Molecular weight | 345.4 g/mol |
| Half-life | Approximately 15-30 minutes (subcutaneous); longer when administered orally due to intestinal absorption kinetics |
| Sequence | Lys-Pro-Val (K-P-V) |
KPV is a tripeptide derived from the C-terminal region of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects primarily through activation of melanocortin receptors (particularly MC3R and MC4R) on immune cells, which suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production and promotes regulatory T cell differentiation. This mechanism makes it particularly relevant for conditions characterized by excessive intestinal inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Melanocortin Receptor Signaling
KPV binds to melanocortin receptors on immune cells (macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells), triggering intracellular cAMP elevation and downstream anti-inflammatory gene expression. This reduces production of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12.
Regulatory T Cell (Treg) Differentiation
KPV promotes differentiation of naive T cells into Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, which actively suppress pro-inflammatory immune responses and maintain intestinal immune homeostasis.
Intestinal Barrier Function
KPV may enhance tight junction integrity and reduce intestinal permeability, contributing to reduced bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease.
- KPV is the minimal active sequence of α-MSH required for anti-inflammatory activity; it is more stable and selective than the full-length hormone
- Unlike systemic corticosteroids, KPV does not suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or cause immunosuppression
- Oral administration allows direct delivery to the intestinal mucosa, making it particularly suited for IBD research
- Subcutaneous injection provides systemic anti-inflammatory effects for conditions with broader inflammatory involvement
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. KPV 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.