Ipamorelin Still Releases Growth Hormone and Promotes Growth Even During Steroid Treatment
Ipamorelin maintained its GH-releasing ability and growth-promoting effects in rats receiving methylprednisolone, overcoming the typical GH suppression caused by glucocorticoid treatment.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Ipamorelin maintained GH-releasing activity during 8 days of methylprednisolone treatment in rats and partially preserved longitudinal bone growth over 15 days despite glucocorticoid-induced growth suppression.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Two animal experiments in rats: (1) GH release after ipamorelin with/without 8-day MP treatment, (2) 15-day bone growth study with ipamorelin during MP administration. Plasma GH and tibial bone growth measured.
Why This Research Matters
Children on chronic steroids (for asthma, autoimmune diseases, transplants) often fail to grow properly. A GH secretagogue that works despite steroids could preserve their growth and development.
The Bigger Picture
Steroid-induced growth suppression is a major pediatric problem. If ipamorelin can bypass the GH-suppressive effects of steroids, it could be combined with steroid therapy to protect growth in the millions of children who need chronic glucocorticoids.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Rat study. Bone growth was only partially preserved, not fully restored. The mechanism by which ipamorelin bypasses glucocorticoid suppression was not determined. Human pediatric data needed.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could ipamorelin prevent growth stunting in children on chronic steroids?
- ?Does ipamorelin bypass somatostatin-mediated GH suppression by steroids?
- ?What is the optimal ipamorelin dose to counteract steroid growth suppression?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Steroid-resistant GH release Ipamorelin maintained its GH-stimulating effect despite methylprednisolone treatment that typically suppresses GH
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary animal evidence with clinically relevant experimental design (GH secretagogue during steroid treatment), but limited to rats.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1999. The concept of using GH secretagogues to counteract steroid-induced growth suppression remains clinically relevant.
- Original Title:
- Methylprednisolone does not inhibit the release of growth hormone after intravenous injection of a novel growth hormone secretagogue in rats.
- Published In:
- Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 9(6), 445-50 (1999)
- Authors:
- Malmlöf, K(2), Johansen, P B(4), Haahr, P M, Wilken, M, Oxlund, H
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00538
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do steroids stunt growth?
Glucocorticoid steroids suppress growth hormone release and directly interfere with bone growth. Children who need chronic steroids for conditions like asthma or autoimmune diseases often end up shorter than expected.
Could ipamorelin help these children?
This animal study suggests yes — ipamorelin can release GH even when steroids are suppressing the normal GH system. If confirmed in children, it could be given alongside steroid therapy to protect growth.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00538APA
Malmlöf, K; Johansen, P B; Haahr, P M; Wilken, M; Oxlund, H. (1999). Methylprednisolone does not inhibit the release of growth hormone after intravenous injection of a novel growth hormone secretagogue in rats.. Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 9(6), 445-50.
MLA
Malmlöf, K, et al. "Methylprednisolone does not inhibit the release of growth hormone after intravenous injection of a novel growth hormone secretagogue in rats.." Growth hormone & IGF research : official journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 1999.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Methylprednisolone does not inhibit the release of growth ho..." RPEP-00538. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/malmlof-1999-methylprednisolone-does-not-inhibit
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.