Growth Hormone Secretagogues and IGF-1 Axis Research
Preclinical mechanisms of GHRH, GHRP, and ghrelin mimetics.
Examination of GHRH, GHRP, and ghrelin mimetic mechanisms in GH secretion and IGF-1 axis research.
Growth Hormone Secretagogues and IGF-1 Axis Research
Overview
Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) including GHRH analogs, GH-releasing peptides (GHRPs), and ghrelin mimetics represent established research compounds for studying somatotroph physiology and myocyte proliferation pathways.
GHRH and GHRP Mechanisms
GHRH acts via G-protein coupled receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP-mediated GH secretion. GHRPs activate a distinct ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), synergizing with GHRH for amplified GH pulses.
Preclinical Models
Rodent studies demonstrate GHRP-6 and GHRH-analogs increase serum IGF-1 and promote:
- •Myocyte hypertrophy in cultured muscle cells
- •Enhanced anabolic signaling via IGF-1 receptor pathways
- •Bone mineral density increases in aged animal models
Research Applications
GHS compounds serve as critical tools for understanding somatotroph regulation, myocyte signaling, and aging-related declines in GH secretion. All research is conducted in vitro or in laboratory animal models.
Keywords
Research Goals
(2)Referenced Compounds
(12)GHRP-2
Second-generation hexapeptide GHRP with superior potency. Approved in Japan as Pralmorelin.
GHRP-6
The pioneer hexapeptide that launched the GHRP class and indirectly led to the discovery of ghrelin.
MK-677
The only orally active GH secretagogue. Studied in multiple Merck clinical trials.
Tesamorelin
FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) for visceral fat reduction with Phase III clinical trial data.
Humanin
The first peptide discovered to be encoded within mitochondrial DNA. Studied for neuroprotection and insulin sensitivity.
SS-31
Concentrates ~1,000-fold in the inner mitochondrial membrane. One of the most clinically advanced mitochondria-targeted peptides.
MOTS-c
A mitochondrial-derived peptide linked to cellular energy regulation. Encoded in mitochondrial DNA.
NAD+
A coenzyme essential to cellular energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation.
CJC-1295
A synthetic GHRH analog with Drug Affinity Complex technology for extended half-life.
Sermorelin
The original synthetic GHRH analog with FDA approval history as Geref.
Ipamorelin
The most selective GHRP in widespread research use — stimulates natural-pattern GH pulses without cortisol or prolactin side effects.
Epitalon
A four-amino-acid peptide derived from pineal gland research in Russia, now studied globally for telomerase activation and telomere biology.
For research use only. Not medical advice.