Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide classified as a selective growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). It is an analog of ghrelin that binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), stimulating growth hormone (GH) release from the anterior pituitary. Ipamorelin has been studied for its potential to increase GH secretion without significantly influencing other hormones such as prolactin or cortisol.
Overview
Ipamorelin is part of the GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) family but is unique in its high specificity for the GHS-R1a receptor. Unlike other GHRPs such as GHRP-6 or Hexarelin, Ipamorelin appears to avoid substantial stimulation of ACTH or cortisol release. This makes it one of the more selective GH secretagogues evaluated in both animal and human studies.
Chemical Characteristics
| Compound | Type | Molecular Formula | Molecular Weight |
| Ipamorelin | Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue (pentapeptide) | C₃₈H₄₉N₉O₅ | 711.868 g/mol |
Other Known Titles: Selective GH Secretagogue; IPAM
Research and Clinical Studies
Ipamorelin and GH Release
Raun et al. (1998) first described Ipamorelin as a selective GHS with potent GH-releasing effects in rats, showing strong efficacy without significant stimulation of prolactin or ACTH secretion. In human studies, Ipamorelin has been demonstrated to stimulate GH release with a dose-dependent profile.
Ipamorelin in Human Trials
Svensson et al. (1998) examined the GH-releasing properties of Ipamorelin in healthy male subjects. They found that intravenous administration induced rapid, dose-dependent increases in circulating GH levels. Notably, cortisol and prolactin levels were not significantly elevated, reinforcing the selectivity of the compound.
Ipamorelin and Bone Metabolism
Preclinical studies have suggested that Ipamorelin may contribute to bone metabolism. By stimulating GH release and subsequent IGF-1 production, it may indirectly promote bone growth and remodeling. Animal models showed increases in bone mineral content and density with repeated dosing.
Ipamorelin — References
- Bowers, C. Y., Momany, F., Reynolds, G. A., Hong, A. On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic pentapeptide that specifically releases growth hormone in vitro. Endocrinology. 1991;128(2): 1175–1177.https://doi.org/10.1210/endo-128-2-1175
- Jansson, J. O., Eden, S., Isaksson, O. Sexual dimorphism in the control of growth hormone secretion. Endocrine Reviews. 1985;6(2):128–150.https://doi.org/10.1210/edrv-6-2-128
- Raun, K., Hansen, B. S., Johansen, N. L., Thøgersen, H., Madsen, K., Andersen, P. H., Nielsen, P. F., Thim, L., Kristensen, P. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. European Journal of Endocrinology. 1998;139(5):552–561.https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1390552
- Raun, K., Johansen, N. L., Thøgersen, H., Hansen, B. S., Thim, L., Madsen, K. Ipamorelin, a new growth hormone releasing peptide with selectivity for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. 1999;9(1): 10–17.https://doi.org/10.1054/ghir.1998.0002
- Johansen, N. L., Raun, K., Thøgersen, H., Hansen, B. S., Thim, L., Madsen, K. Growth hormone secretagogues: development of Ipamorelin. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1998; 865: 309–316.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1998.tb11193.x
- Jansson, J. O., Svensson, J., Bengtsson, B. A. Growth hormone secretagogues and the regulation of pituitary function. Acta Paediatrica Supplement. 1999;88(433):67–71.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.1999.tb01152.x
- Raun, K., Thøgersen, H., Madsen, K., Hansen, B. S., Johansen, N. L., Thim, L. Selective growth hormone secretagogues stimulate GH release without affecting ACTH or prolactin release in pigs. Journal of Endocrinology. 1998;159(3):R1–R4.https://doi.org/10.1677/joe.0.159R001
- Ghigo, E., Arvat, E., Gianotti, L., Imbimbo, B. P., Lenaerts, V., Thorner, M. O., Camanni, F. Growth hormone-releasing peptides. European Journal of Endocrinology. 1997;136(5):445–460.https://doi.org/10.1530/eje.0.1360445
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