Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a)
Definition
The growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor, is a G protein-coupled receptor primarily expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Activation of GHS-R1a by ghrelin or synthetic peptide agonists like GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and ipamorelin stimulates growth hormone release, increases appetite, and modulates energy metabolism. GHS-R1a is the primary therapeutic target for growth hormone secretagogue peptides.
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 monographGHRP-2
An in-depth scientific review of Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2 (Pralmorelin/KP-102), covering its mechanism of action at the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), pharmacokinetics, research applications in growth hormone secretion, appetite regulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and muscle-wasting attenuation, supported by peer-reviewed references.
Read monographGHRP-6
An in-depth review of Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6, covering its mechanism of action via the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a), research applications in growth hormone secretion, cardioprotection, wound healing, and neuroprotection, along with key published studies and pharmacokinetic data from human trials.
Read monographRelated Studies
Robust GH responses to GHRP-2 stimulation test in adolescents with obesity
Onuki T, Kato Y, Hasegawa T, et al. · Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism (2024)
Pharmacokinetic study of growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) in rats
Cabrales A, Gil J, Fernández E, et al. · European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2013)
Use of growth hormone-releasing peptide 6 (GHRP-6) for the prevention of multiple organ failure
Cibrián D, Ajamieh H, Berlanga J, et al. · Clinical Science (2006)
Anti-inflammatory effect of the growth hormone-releasing peptide, GHRP-2, in arthritic rats
Granado M, Priego T, Martín AI, et al. · American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism (2005)