What is the Origin of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides?

The discovery of GHSPs is rooted in the isolation and structural analysis of ghrelin, a gut-derived peptide that was identified as a potent endogenous secretagogue for growth hormone. This led to the synthesis of various non-natural peptides designed to mimic or amplify ghrelin's action on the pituitary. Their clinical application is a modern development in endocrinology for age-related GH decline.

What is the Mechanism of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides?

GHSPs primarily exert their effect by binding to the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR-1a), located in the pituitary and hypothalamus. Activation of this receptor stimulates the somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary to release GH in a pattern that closely mimics the body's natural, pulsatile rhythm. This mechanism helps to preserve the negative feedback loop of the GH-IGF-1 axis, promoting the downstream anabolic and lipolytic effects of growth hormone.

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides ∞ Area

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides

Meaning

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides (GHSPs) are a class of synthetic or naturally occurring short-chain amino acids that clinically stimulate the pulsatile release of endogenous Growth Hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. These compounds function by acting on specific receptors, distinct from the native Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) receptor, to safely and physiologically enhance GH secretion. GHSPs are utilized in hormonal health to promote tissue repair, improve body composition, and support metabolic function without exogenous GH administration.