What is the Origin of GHS Compounds?

The term originates from the field of neuroendocrinology and pharmacology, following the discovery of the growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) class in the 1980s. The identification of the GHS receptor provided a novel therapeutic target for modulating the somatotropic axis. These compounds represent a targeted, non-exogenous approach to optimizing growth hormone pulsatility.

What is the Mechanism of GHS Compounds?

GHS compounds function by binding to the GHS-R1a receptor, which triggers a cascade of intracellular events within the somatotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. This activation enhances the response to endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and simultaneously suppresses the inhibitory effect of somatostatin. The net result is a robust, pulsatile release of stored growth hormone into the circulation, which subsequently stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, mediating most of the systemic anabolic and metabolic effects.

GHS Compounds

Meaning

GHS Compounds refer to Growth Hormone Secretagogue compounds, which are a class of molecules that stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete endogenous growth hormone (GH). These agents act on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and pituitary, mimicking the action of the natural hormone ghrelin. They are utilized clinically to safely elevate systemic GH and IGF-1 levels, promoting anabolic effects, tissue repair, and metabolic balance.