Hexarelin: A More Stable Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide That Works in Both Young and Adult Rats
Hexarelin effectively stimulated GH secretion in both infant and adult rats through a pathway independent of GHRH, with improved chemical stability over earlier peptides.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Hexarelin effectively stimulated growth hormone secretion in both infant and adult rats through a non-GHRH pathway.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Researchers tested hexarelin in conscious 10-day-old and adult rats via intravenous and subcutaneous injection. They measured growth hormone levels and compared hexarelin to GHRP-6. They also tested it in rats with damaged GHRH neurons.
Why This Research Matters
Growth hormone releasing peptides are used to boost natural GH production. Hexarelin's improved chemical stability made it a practical candidate for research and clinical development.
The Bigger Picture
GH-releasing peptides evolved from research tools into clinical candidates. Hexarelin's improved stability addressed a key practical limitation, bringing peptide GH therapy closer to real-world use.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Animal study in rats. Doses and responses in rats do not directly predict human dosing or effects. Long-term safety and efficacy not assessed.
Questions This Raises
- ?How does hexarelin compare to MK-677 in clinical settings?
- ?What are the long-term effects of chronic hexarelin use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Works at all ages Hexarelin stimulated GH in both infant and adult rats, unlike some peptides that lose effectiveness with age
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate — animal study demonstrating effectiveness in two age groups. Strengthened by comparison with established GHRP analogs.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1994 (32 years ago). Hexarelin has since been tested in human clinical trials.
- Original Title:
- GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats.
- Published In:
- Life sciences, 54(18), 1321-8 (1994)
- Authors:
- Deghenghi, R(11), Cananzi, M M, Torsello, A(3), Battisti, C, Muller, E E, Locatelli, V
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00288
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is hexarelin?
Hexarelin is a synthetic peptide that stimulates the body to release its own growth hormone. It's a modified version of GHRP-6 with better chemical stability, meaning it lasts longer and is more practical to use.
How is it different from HGH injections?
Instead of injecting synthetic growth hormone directly, hexarelin triggers the body's own pituitary gland to release natural GH in its normal pulsatile pattern. This is considered more physiological and potentially safer.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00288APA
Deghenghi, R; Cananzi, M M; Torsello, A; Battisti, C; Muller, E E; Locatelli, V. (1994). GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats.. Life sciences, 54(18), 1321-8.
MLA
Deghenghi, R, et al. "GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide, in infant and adult rats.." Life sciences, 1994.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "GH-releasing activity of Hexarelin, a new growth hormone rel..." RPEP-00288. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/deghenghi-1994-ghreleasing-activity-of-hexarelin
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.