Overview
GHRP-6 (growth-hormone-releasing peptide-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) and one of the earliest characterized members of the growth-hormone-secretagogue class. Its incorporation of D-amino acids confers resistance to enzymatic degradation and distinguishes it from endogenous peptide hormones. It does not correspond to a natural human sequence; it is produced synthetically as a reference secretagogue peptide. The compound is frequently used as a comparator in studies of ghrelin-receptor pharmacology.
Mechanism as studied
The research literature characterizes GHRP-6 as an agonist at the ghrelin/growth-hormone-secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), a Gq-coupled G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on pituitary somatotrophs and in hypothalamic circuits. Receptor activation is associated with phospholipase-C signaling, inositol-trisphosphate generation, and intracellular calcium mobilization, coupled to pulsatile growth-hormone release in cultured pituitary systems. The literature also describes central ghrelin-pathway engagement linked to appetite-regulating circuits. Separate preclinical work reports cytoprotective signaling in models of myocardial ischemia, attributed in part to the scavenger receptor CD36.
Research context
Contexts in which this compound appears in the in-vitro and preclinical research literature:
- Pituitary somatotroph culture: GHS-R-mediated calcium signaling and growth-hormone secretion endpoints.
- Comparative studies against ipamorelin and GHRP-2 examining receptor selectivity and secretory potency.
- Central ghrelin-signaling models of appetite and energy-balance circuitry.
- Preclinical rodent cardiac models examining CD36-associated cytoprotective endpoints.
- Enzymatic-stability characterization conferred by the D-amino-acid substitutions.
Handling & storage
Supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory reconstitution. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water to the concentration required by your protocol (e.g. adding 1 mL to the 5 mg vial yields 5 mg/mL). Swirl gently to dissolve rather than shaking or vortexing, and prepare in a clean field. Aliquot to reduce freeze–thaw exposure.
Store sealed lyophilized vials at −20 °C protected from light; refrigerate reconstituted material at 2–8 °C and minimize repeated freeze–thaw.
Certificates of analysis
A certificate of analysis for the current lot is in preparation and will be published in the certificate library. Lot documentation is available on request for this compound.
Order GHRP-6
Lot-traceable, certificate-backed, and shipped cold-chain from the US.
For research use only
This guide is reference material for qualified researchers. The compound is an analytical-grade reference material supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and development — not a drug, supplement, or medical device, and not for human or animal consumption or any therapeutic, clinical, or diagnostic use. No medical claims are made or implied.
