Secretagogue protocols are therapeutic regimens that utilize specific compounds, known as secretagogues, to stimulate the endogenous release of a hormone from its native endocrine gland, rather than administering the hormone itself. These protocols are commonly employed to encourage the pulsatile and physiological release of growth hormone or insulin from the pituitary and pancreas, respectively. The approach is favored for its potential to maintain the integrity of the natural hormonal feedback loop.
Origin
The term is derived from the Greek secretus (to secrete) and agogos (leading or inducing), directly describing the function of these agents. In endocrinology, the development of Growth Hormone Secretagogues (GHSs) was a major advancement in mimicking natural hormone release patterns. This methodology represents a more subtle, regulatory approach to hormone optimization.
Mechanism
The secretagogues bind to specific receptors on the target gland, such as the ghrelin receptor (GHSR-1a) on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering the release of the stored hormone in a natural, pulsatile fashion. This induced release avoids the continuous, non-physiological levels associated with direct hormone administration, which helps prevent negative feedback and subsequent suppression or desensitization of the body’s own hormone-producing mechanisms.
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