What Is Ipamorelin?

Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide that belongs to the class of growth hormone secretagogues (GHS). It is designed to selectively stimulate growth hormone release by mimicking natural signaling peptides. Unlike earlier GHS compounds, Ipamorelin has been noted for its receptor specificity and reduced off-target effects in research contexts.

(Reference: Raun et al., 1998)

How Has Ipamorelin Been Studied?

Research into Ipamorelin has focused on its role in growth hormone regulation. Studies have been conducted in:

• In vitro systems, examining binding to growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-R1a) and measuring downstream signaling through calcium and cAMP pathways.

• Animal models, where researchers monitored growth hormone release and related hormonal changes.

• Human trials, designed to measure biomarkers such as circulating growth hormone levels, insulin, and cortisol in response to Ipamorelin.

(Reference: Smith et al., 2000)

Key Research Observations

Published findings highlight several consistent patterns:

• Selective GH Release – Ipamorelin stimulates growth hormone secretion without strongly affecting other pituitary hormones like ACTH, prolactin, or LH.

• Receptor Specificity – The peptide binds to GHS-R1a with high affinity, which helps explain its targeted action.

• Endocrine Profile – Studies report minimal influence on cortisol or prolactin, distinguishing Ipamorelin from earlier secretagogues.

(Reference: Raun et al., 1998)

Research Applications

In laboratory settings, Ipamorelin is used to:

• Explore mechanisms of growth hormone release through GHS receptor pathways.

• Compare receptor specificity across different growth hormone secretagogues.

• Study hormone regulation while minimizing interference from other pituitary axes.

(Reference: Smith et al., 2000)

References

• Raun, K., et al. (1998). Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 250(2), 262–267.

• Smith, R.G., et al. (2000). Receptor-specific actions of novel growth hormone secretagogues. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 85(8), 6698–6705.

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