KPV reconstitution protocol

This protocol describes the reconstitution and storage of lyophilized KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) in standard research workflows. KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide fragment of α-MSH (residues 11–13) — it retains the anti-inflammatory properties of the parent hormone but without the melanocortin-receptor activation that drives pigmentation effects. Values below reflect published handling literature; study design is the responsibility of the qualified investigator.

At a glance

Parameter	Value
Recommended diluent	Bacteriostatic Water (USP, 0.9% benzyl alcohol)
Recommended volume (10 mg vial)	2.0 mL
Final concentration	5 mg/mL
Stability — lyophilized	≥24 months at -20 °C, sealed, light-protected
Stability — reconstituted	30 days at 2–8 °C in original vial
Routes studied	Subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, oral (rodent)

Procedure

1. Equilibrate the vial to room temperature.
2. Sterile prep: wipe stopper with isopropyl. Use sterile syringe and needle.
3. Inject diluent slowly along the inner wall. KPV dissolves readily — short sequence, no special handling required.
4. Swirl gently. Dissolution completes within ~30 seconds.
5. Verify: solution should be clear and colorless.

Compound notes

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a 3-amino-acid compound derived from α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The fragment retains the anti-inflammatory activity of α-MSH — mediated through pathways independent of the melanocortin receptors — without the pigmentation effects. Most published research focuses on:

• Anti-inflammatory effects in gut models (colitis, IBD analogs)
• Cytokine modulation in macrophage and dendritic cell culture
• Wound healing and tissue repair models

The compound is unusually tolerant of administration route — oral bioavailability has been documented in rodent models, which is rare for compounds this small (oral compounds usually degrade in the gut). Plasma half-life is short (<30 minutes), so research protocols typically use daily or twice-daily administration if sustained exposure is needed.

Storage

Reconstituted KPV is stable for approximately 30 days at 2–8 °C. For longer storage, aliquot into sterile single-use tubes and freeze at -20 °C or colder. Lyophilized stability is ≥24 months at -20 °C light-protected.

Notes

This protocol describes reconstitution parameters from published handling literature. It is not a recommendation for any specific research protocol or design. For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.

References

1. Brzoska T, Luger TA, Maaser C, et al. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone and related tripeptides: biochemistry, antiinflammatory and protective effects in vitro and in vivo, and future perspectives for the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Endocr Rev 2008;29:581–602. PMID: 18612139
2. Kannengiesser K, Maaser C, Heidemann J, et al. Melanocortin-derived tripeptide KPV has anti-inflammatory potential in murine models of inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008;14:324–331. PMID: 18092347