Body Protection Compound 157 — commonly abbreviated BPC-157 — is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a naturally occurring protein found in human gastric juice. With the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, it has attracted significant attention in pre-clinical research over the past two decades.
Background and Origin
BPC-157 was first isolated and characterised in the early 1990s by researchers studying the cytoprotective properties of gastric secretions. Unlike many peptides that degrade rapidly in biological matrices, BPC-157 demonstrates remarkable stability in both acidic and enzymatic environments — a property that has made it a practical subject for oral and parenteral administration studies in rodent models.
Reported Mechanisms of Interest
Laboratory studies have explored several putative mechanisms associated with BPC-157 administration:
- Angiogenesis modulation: In-vitro and in-vivo models suggest BPC-157 may upregulate VEGFR2 signalling, promoting vascular network formation at sites of tissue damage.
- Nitric oxide pathway: Multiple rodent studies note modulation of the NO system, which researchers associate with local blood flow and inflammation responses.
- Growth factor interactions: Some data indicates interaction with the EGF receptor pathway and upregulation of growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblast cultures.
- Collagen synthesis: Fibroblast culture assays have measured increased collagen type I and type III production following BPC-157 exposure.
Model Systems Used in Published Literature
The majority of BPC-157 research to date has been conducted in Rattus norvegicus (Sprague-Dawley and Wistar strains). Experimental models include:
- Achilles tendon transection and crush injury models
- Medial collateral ligament rupture
- Gastric ulcer induction via ethanol, NSAID, and cysteamine administration
- Inflammatory bowel disease models (TNBS-induced colitis)
- Peripheral and central nervous system injury models
Dosing Ranges Observed in Pre-Clinical Studies
Published rodent studies have used a wide range of doses, most commonly between 1 µg/kg and 10 µg/kg administered intraperitoneally or intragastrically. Some groups have reported dose-dependent effects, while others note a U-shaped response curve. These figures are strictly for reference in understanding the existing literature and should not be extrapolated to any non-research context.
Stability and Storage Considerations
Lyophilised BPC-157 retains potency when stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Long-term archival storage is typically performed at −20 °C. Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol), preparations should be kept refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within the timeframe specified in your laboratory’s SOPs.
Notes for Researchers
BPC-157 is supplied by Gorilla Peps exclusively as a research reagent for laboratory use. All products carry a For Research Use Only designation and are not approved for human or veterinary administration. Researchers should refer to their institutional biosafety committee guidelines when designing protocols involving this compound.