GHRP-2

Mechanism

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide 2, pralmorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), the same receptor targeted by endogenous ghrelin. Activation of this receptor on pituitary somatotrophs stimulates GH release through a pathway distinct from and complementary to GHRH signaling. GHRP-2 also suppresses somatostatin release, removing inhibitory tone on GH secretion. Among the GHRP family, GHRP-2 is considered one of the most potent GH secretagogues, with moderate effects on cortisol, ACTH, and prolactin compared to GHRP-6.

What the literature has looked at

• Studies have investigated GH stimulation and pituitary reserve testing
• Research has examined body composition effects in aging research models
• Studies have explored appetite regulation through ghrelin receptor activation
• Research has examined its GH-releasing pharmacology in multiple research settings

Research context, not a claim about what this compound does. Research Use Only — not for human or animal consumption. 21+.

Cited work

• Bowers CY, et al. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone. Endocrinology. 1984;114(5):1537-1545.

  Established the foundational evidence for synthetic GH-releasing peptides, demonstrating potent and specific GH release from pituitary cells.

• Ishida J, et al. Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development. JCSM Rapid Communications. 2020;3(1):25-37.

  Comprehensive review establishing GHRP-2 as among the most potent synthetic GH secretagogues with demonstrated utility in GH stimulation testing research.

Properties

type

Peptide (hexapeptide)