The wide-ranging physiological and clinical advantages derived from the administration of peptides that stimulate the endogenous pulsatile release of Growth Hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. These benefits often include improved body composition through enhanced lipolysis and lean muscle accrual, increased bone mineral density, accelerated tissue repair and wound healing, and positive effects on sleep quality and cognitive function. Unlike exogenous GH, these secretagogues typically promote a more natural, physiological release pattern.
Origin
This concept originates from the field of peptide endocrinology and the identification of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and Ghrelin, and their synthetic analogues (Growth Hormone Secretagogues or GHSs). Clinical research sought methods to safely and effectively elevate GH and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) levels without the supraphysiological spikes associated with direct GH administration. The term reflects the therapeutic application of these specific regulatory peptides in clinical practice.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves the peptide binding to specific receptors, primarily the GHRH receptor and the Ghrelin/Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR), located on somatotroph cells within the anterior pituitary. This binding triggers an intracellular signaling cascade, leading to the synthesis and pulsatile release of GH into the systemic circulation. The GH then acts directly on target tissues and indirectly by stimulating the liver to produce IGF-1, which mediates many of the anabolic and regenerative effects on muscle, bone, and connective tissues.
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