MIF-1

Pharmacology

MIF-1 (Melanocyte-inhibiting factor) is an antidepressant [2], nootropic and potentially anxiolytic peptide. It is an endogenous peptide fragment derived from cleavage of the hormone oxytocin, but having generally different actions in the body.

The peptide is a PAM (Positive Allosteric Modulator) at Dopamine D2 and D4, while also being an opioid antagonist & alpha-MSH (α-MSH) neuropeptide inhibitor.

MIF-1 is unusually resistant to metabolism in the bloodstream [1], and crosses the blood–brain barrier easily, though it is poorly active orally and is usually injected or used intranasally.

Eight out of 9 patients in one study receiving MIF-1 (at 10mg) showed marked improvement (score < or = 7 on the Hamilton Scale) as compared with only 2 of 11 patients receiving saline (P < 0.01) [3].

It is often used at doses of 10mg subQ and 5mg IN.