Product description
What is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-2) is a synthetic hexapeptide with the sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂, belonging to the class of hormone secretagons growth (GHS). The compound was developed as part of a research program aimed at identifying molecules capable of stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland through a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)-independent mechanism.
Structurally, GHRP-2 is characterized by the presence of D-amino acids (D-Ala, D-2-Nal, D-Phe), which make the molecule resistant to enzymatic degradation and extend the half-life compared to peptides composed only of L-amino acids. The molecular weight is approximately 818 Da and the molecular formula is C₄₅H₅₅N₉O₆. The presence of unnatural amino acids, such as D-2-naphthylalanine (D-2-Nal), is crucial for the high affinity for the growth hormone secretagon receptor.
GHRP-2 acts as an agonist of the GHS-R1a receptor (Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor type 1a), which is also a natural receptor for ghrelin - an endogenous peptide hormone produced mainly in the stomach. The binding of GHRP-2 to GHS-R1a in the pituitary somatotropes leads to cell depolarization, influx of calcium ions and secretion of growth hormone in a pulsatile manner imitating the physiological secretion pattern.
PMC
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