CEDAR

Scientific Reference

GHRP-2

Evidence profile: Controlled human evidence

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) class. It stimulates the release of endogenous growth hormone (GH) primarily through activation of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) in the hypothalamus and pituitary. Unlike GHRH analogs, GHRP-2 acts via a distinct pathway, making it highly synergistic when combined with GHRH-based peptides. It is widely used in research to investigate growth hormone pulsatility, appetite signalling, and metabolic regulation.

Mechanism of Action

GHRP-2 binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), a ghrelin receptor expressed in both the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. This interaction stimulates growth hormone release through calcium-dependent signalling pathways and modulation of hypothalamic neurons. Additionally, GHRP-2 reduces somatostatin tone (the primary inhibitor of GH release), further enhancing GH secretion. This dual action increases both the amplitude and frequency of GH pulses, resulting in elevated circulating GH and downstream IGF-1 levels.

Molecular Information

  • Type: Growth hormone secretagogue (GHRP)
  • Length: 6 amino acids
  • Molecular weight: 818.0 g/mol
  • Molecular formula: C45H55N9O6
  • CAS: 158861-67-7

Published Research

  • The combined administration of GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), TRH and GnRH to men with prolonged critical illness evokes superior endocrine and metabolic effects compared to treatment with GHRP-2 alone

    Van den Berghe G et al. · Clinical endocrinology · 2002 · Clinical

    PMID 12030918 — View on PubMed

  • Synergy of L-arginine and GHRP-2 stimulation of growth hormone in men and women: modulation by exercise

    Wideman L et al. · American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology · 2000 · Clinical

    PMID 11004017 — View on PubMed

  • Growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 infusion synchronizes growth hormone, thyrotrophin and prolactin release in prolonged critical illness

    Van den Berghe G et al. · European journal of endocrinology · 1999 · Clinical

    PMID 10037246 — View on PubMed

  • Treatment effects of intranasal growth hormone releasing peptide-2 in children with short stature

    Pihoker C et al. · The Journal of endocrinology · 1997 · Clinical

    PMID 9390009 — View on PubMed