GHRP-6

GHRP-6 Overview

GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) is a potent synthetic hexapeptide designed to stimulate the natural secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. Functioning as a selective agonist of the ghrelin/growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHRP-6 is recognized for its high stability and significant biological activity. Beyond its primary endocrine functions, this peptide is a focal point of biomedical research due to its wide-ranging cytoprotective effects. It has demonstrated promising results in studies involving myocardial tissue preservation, the enhancement of memory consolidation, and the modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways associated with chronic neurodegenerative conditions.

GHRP-6 Structure

The molecular configuration of GHRP-6 consists of six amino acids arranged to maximize receptor binding and metabolic resistance. Unlike endogenous ghrelin, GHRP-6 does not require specific acylation for activity, ensuring consistent results in a laboratory setting.

• Sequence: L-Histidyl-D-tryptophyl-L-alanyl-L-tryptophyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-lysinamide
• Structure Solution Formula: C38H49N9O5
• Molecular Weight: 711.86 g/mol
• Physical State: Lyophilized white powder

GHRP-6 Effects

1. Enhancement of Memory and Cognitive Function

Research indicates that GHRP-6 plays a vital role in the transition of short-term memories into long-term storage. While exercise-induced cognitive benefits were historically attributed solely to blood flow, modern research suggests that growth hormone secretagogues like GHRP-6 are the actual mediators. The peptide strengthens spatial learning and memory encoding by interacting with the hippocampal regions of the brain.

2. Neuroprotection and Ischemic Recovery

In animal models of stroke, GHRP-6 has shown a remarkable ability to shield central nervous system cells from the effects of poor blood supply. By inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reducing neurological inflammation, the peptide can rescue memory deficits and preserve brain tissue when administered following an ischemic event.

3. Preservation of Dopaminergic Neurons

GHRP-6 research provides insight into neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease. By binding to ghrelin receptors in the substantia nigra, the peptide protects neurons from the genetic and environmental triggers of apoptosis. This mechanism suggests a potential for slowing or preventing the onset of motor dysfunction.

4. Advanced Wound Healing and Scar Mitigation

GHRP-6 accelerates tissue repair by promoting angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels) and organizing the deposition of collagen. It is particularly effective in preventing the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids, ensuring that extracellular matrix proteins are deposited in an orderly fashion for superior aesthetic and functional outcomes.

5. Cardioprotective Properties

In porcine models of myocardial infarction, GHRP-6 administration has been shown to prevent oxidant cytotoxicity. By protecting viable cells during the reperfusion phase following a heart attack, the peptide significantly limits the size of necrotic tissue and improves overall cardiac survival rates.

6. Modulation of Motivation and Mood

The ghrelin receptors targeted by GHRP-6 are deeply involved in the brain’s reward circuitry. Studies show that the peptide can enhance sexual motivation and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating the central nervous system's response to stress.

Research Summary Data

Category

Primary Biological Action

Research Observations

Cognition

Hippocampal Receptor Activation

Enhanced long-term memory and spatial learning

Neurology

Anti-apoptotic signaling

Protection of neurons from stroke and Parkinson's

Tissue Repair

Angiogenesis & Collagen regulation

Accelerated wound closure; reduced keloid formation

Cardiology

Reduction of oxidative stress

Preservation of heart muscle post-infarction

Behavior

CNS Reward Modulation

Improved mood and increased motivation

GHRP-6 Storage and Handling

To maintain the integrity of the peptide, GHRP-6 should be stored in a controlled environment.

• Lyophilized State: Stable at room temperature for 3-4 weeks; however, for long-term storage, it should be kept at -18 degrees Celsius.
• Reconstituted State: Once mixed with bacteriostatic water, the solution must be refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to use the solution within 14 days to avoid degradation.

Author and Scientific Credit

Article Author: Dr. Logan, M.D.

This literature was researched and organized by Dr. Logan, who holds a doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a B.S. in molecular biology.

Scientific Reference: Marta Korbonits

Professor Marta Korbonits is a world-renowned Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Her pioneering work has provided fundamental insights into growth hormone secretagogues. This citation recognizes her contribution to the field and does not imply an endorsement of this product.

Resourced Citations

1. C.-C. Huang, et al. "Acute food deprivation enhances fear extinction but inhibits long-term depression via ghrelin signaling," Neuropharmacology, 2016.
2. S. Beheshti and S. Shahrokhi. "Blocking the ghrelin receptor type 1a in the rat brain impairs memory encoding," Neuropeptides, 2015.
3. K. Tóth, et al. "Role of intraamygdaloid acylated-ghrelin in spatial learning," Brain Res. Bull., 2010.
4. N. Sucháč et al. "Assessment of dose-effect in preclinical studies of GHRP-6 for stroke therapy," Neurol. Res., 2016.
5. S. J. Spencer, et al. "The Role of Ghrelin in Neuroprotection after Ischemic Brain Injury," Brain Sci., 2013.
6. Y. Sutra et al. "Down-regulation of ghrelin receptors contributes to Parkinson's disease-like motor dysfunction," Mol. Brain., 2018.
7. Y. Mendoza-Mari et al. "GHRP-6 Enhances the Healing Process and Improves the Esthetic Outcome," Plastic Surgery International, 2016.
8. M. Fernández-Mayola et al. "GHRP-6 prevents cutaneous hypertrophic scarring," Int. Wound J., 2018.
9. J. Berlanga et al. "GHRP-6 prevents oxidant cytotoxicity and reduces myocardial necrosis," Clin. Sci., 2007.
10. L. Hyland et al. "Central ghrelin receptor stimulation modulates sex motivation," Horm. Behav., 2018.
11. H. J. Huang et al. "The protective effects of Ghrelin/GHSR on hippocampal neurogenesis," Neuropharmacology, 2019.
12. Korbonits, Marta, et al. "Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide and Its Analogues," Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 1995.