THIQ
Encyclopedia
THIQ is a drug used in scientific research, which is the first non-peptide agonist
developed that is selective for the melanocortin receptor
subtype MC4
. In animal studies, THIQ stimulated sexual activity in rats, but with little effect on appetite or inflammation. This supports possible application of MC4 selective agonists for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in humans, although THIQ itself has poor oral bioavailability and a short duration of action so improved analogues will need to be developed.
Agonist
An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor of a cell and triggers a response by that cell. Agonists often mimic the action of a naturally occurring substance...
developed that is selective for the melanocortin receptor
Melanocortin receptor
Melanocortin receptors are members of the rhodopsin family of 7-transmembrane, G protein-coupled receptors.There are five known members of the melanocortin receptor system each with differing specificities for melanocortins:...
subtype MC4
Melanocortin 4 receptor
Melanocortin receptor 4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MC4R gene. It encodes the MC4 protein, a G-protein coupled receptor that binds α-melanocyte stimulating hormone...
. In animal studies, THIQ stimulated sexual activity in rats, but with little effect on appetite or inflammation. This supports possible application of MC4 selective agonists for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in humans, although THIQ itself has poor oral bioavailability and a short duration of action so improved analogues will need to be developed.