What is the Origin of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Selection?

The term is derived from the field of endocrinology and pharmacology, where secretagogue literally means a substance that causes another substance to be secreted. The clinical practice emerged from the discovery and characterization of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and ghrelin pathways. Selection criteria evolved to leverage these natural pathways for therapeutic benefit.

What is the Mechanism of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Selection?

Secretagogues primarily function by mimicking or enhancing the actions of GHRH or ghrelin, the two main endogenous stimulators of GH release from the somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. GHRH analogs bind to the GHRH receptor, while ghrelin mimetics bind to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). The careful selection of an agent aims to restore a more youthful, pulsatile pattern of GH secretion, which is crucial for maximizing its anabolic and lipolytic effects.

Growth Hormone Secretagogue Selection

Meaning

The clinical process of choosing the most appropriate pharmaceutical agent that stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete endogenous growth hormone (GH). This selection is based on the patient’s specific physiological needs, the desired pulsatility of GH release, and the required route of administration. Secretagogues are differentiated by their mechanism of action, potency, and pharmacokinetic profile.