Research compounds
Neurotensin
NT, neurotensin 1-13
Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid peptide acting as both a gut hormone and a central neurotransmitter, with roles in dopaminergic signalling, analgesia, thermoregulation and fat absorption.
Also known as: neurotensin 1-13, NTS1 agonist
- Status
- Neurotensin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use.
- Evidence
- Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
- Half-life
- Under 5 minutes.
- How it's taken
- Not used therapeutically; research administration only
- Mechanism
- Cognitive / mood
How Neurotensin works
Neurotensin signals through NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. Centrally it modulates dopaminergic transmission — its interaction with dopamine systems produced longstanding interest in it as an antipsychotic target — and produces potent, non-opioid analgesia and hypothermia. Peripherally it is released from intestinal N cells after fat ingestion and facilitates fatty acid absorption.
What research has looked at
- It produces analgesia through a mechanism entirely independent of opioid receptors, which has sustained interest in NTS2 agonists as non-addictive analgesics.
- Its modulation of dopaminergic transmission gave rise to a substantial literature on neurotensin agonists as antipsychotic candidates.
- Peripherally, higher pro-neurotensin levels are associated in cohort studies with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, making it a metabolic biomarker of interest.
Evidence level: Early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far. These are areas studied or reported, not promised effects.
Reported side effects and risks
- No neurotensin-based therapy has been approved for any indication despite decades of investigation. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy.
- Systemic administration causes hypothermia and hypotension, which have been persistent obstacles to development.
- It does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so peripheral dosing cannot produce the central effects that motivate interest in it.
- Its peripheral role in facilitating fat absorption runs opposite to what someone pursuing metabolic benefit would want.
Sources
- PubMed research on neurotensin NTS2 analgesia hypothermia dopamine · NIH · National Library of Medicine
- DrugBank record for neurotensin · DrugBank
- Active clinical trials for neurotensin · U.S. National Library of Medicine
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Related compounds
Neurotensin FAQ
What is Neurotensin?
Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid peptide acting as both a gut hormone and a central neurotransmitter, with roles in dopaminergic signalling, analgesia, thermoregulation and fat absorption.
How does Neurotensin work?
Neurotensin signals through NTS1 and NTS2 receptors. Centrally it modulates dopaminergic transmission — its interaction with dopamine systems produced longstanding interest in it as an antipsychotic target — and produces potent, non-opioid analgesia and hypothermia. Peripherally it is released from intestinal N cells after fat ingestion and facilitates fatty acid absorption.
Is Neurotensin FDA approved?
No. Neurotensin is a research compound and not approved by the FDA for human use. Evidence level: early human data. Only small or early-phase studies in people so far.
What is the half-life of Neurotensin?
Reported half-life: Under 5 minutes.
How is Neurotensin taken?
Not used therapeutically; research administration only.
What side effects have been reported with Neurotensin?
Reported in the sources: No neurotensin-based therapy has been approved for any indication despite decades of investigation. No regulator has approved it, the human evidence base is limited, and material sold under this name is research chemical supply with unverified identity, purity, sterility and dose accuracy; Systemic administration causes hypothermia and hypotension, which have been persistent obstacles to development; It does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so peripheral dosing cannot produce the central effects that motivate interest in it; Its peripheral role in facilitating fat absorption runs opposite to what someone pursuing metabolic benefit would want.
Educational summary compiled from the sources listed above. Not medical advice. Peptide Vault does not sell, source or recommend any compound. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting or changing anything.