Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
Definition
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) is a 44-amino acid peptide hormone produced in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to synthesize and secrete growth hormone (GH). GHRH acts through the GHRH receptor (GHRHR), a G protein-coupled receptor on somatotroph cells, triggering intracellular cAMP signaling cascades. Synthetic GHRH analogs such as sermorelin, tesamorelin, and CJC-1295 have been developed for research into growth hormone deficiency, body composition, and age-related decline in GH pulsatility.
Related Terms
Related Compounds
Ipamorelin
An in-depth review of Ipamorelin, a highly selective growth hormone secretagogue pentapeptide, covering its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, research applications in GH release, bone density, muscle growth, and safety profile.
Read monographSermorelin
An in-depth review of Sermorelin (GHRH 1-29), a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog, covering its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, research applications in GH stimulation, anti-aging, and pituitary function preservation.
Read monographTesamorelin
An in-depth review of Tesamorelin, a modified GHRH analog with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification, covering its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, research applications in visceral fat reduction, lipodystrophy, liver health, and cognitive function.
Read monographRelated Studies
Growth hormone-releasing hormone effects on brain gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in mild cognitive impairment and healthy aging
Stanley TL, Chen CY, Branch KL, et al. · JAMA Neurology (2015)
Growth hormone-releasing hormone and aging
Merriam GR, Schwartz RS, Vitiello MV · Endocrine (2001)
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. · European Journal of Endocrinology (1998)