GHRP-2

GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2)

Primary Function: Growth hormone stimulation, appetite enhancement, anabolic research
Research Use: GH/IGF-1 axis studies, muscle growth, recovery, aging research
Molecular Formula: C45H55N9O6
CAS Number: 158861-67-7
Synonyms: KP-102, GHRP2, Growth Hormone Secretagogue

Description:
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide that stimulates the endogenous release of growth hormone (GH) through ghrelin receptor activation (GHS-R1a). Known for its potency, GHRP-2 increases GH and IGF-1 levels, promotes anabolic recovery, and enhances appetite in a dose-dependent manner. It is commonly researched for its ability to support muscle repair, immune modulation, and anti-aging mechanisms, particularly in subjects with GH deficiency or age-related hormonal decline.

Mechanism of Action:

• Binds to GHS-R1a (ghrelin receptors) in the hypothalamus and pituitary
• Stimulates pulsatile GH release, increasing downstream IGF-1 production
• Enhances appetite and food intake via ghrelin-mimicking activity
• Does not suppress natural GH feedback mechanisms

Key Research Areas:

• GH deficiency and hormone replacement models
• Sarcopenia and anabolic research
• Recovery from injury or surgery
• Appetite stimulation and body mass support

History of Discovery:
GHRP-2 was developed in the early 1990s as a second-generation growth hormone-releasing peptide, offering stronger GH stimulation than GHRP-6 but with reduced prolactin and cortisol elevation. It played a pivotal role in the development of non-GHRH-based GH secretagogues, opening the door to broader endocrine and appetite-regulation research.

Case Studies:

1. GH/IGF-1 Elevation in Adults (1997, JCEM): GHRP-2 increased GH secretion by up to 6-fold over baseline and significantly raised IGF-1 levels in healthy subjects. [J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997;82(11):3572–3577.]
2. Cachexia and Muscle Preservation (2004, Peptides): Rodents with muscle wasting experienced improved lean body mass and appetite restoration with daily GHRP-2. [Peptides. 2004;25(8):1323–1330.]
3. Pediatric GH Deficiency Trials (2009, Growth Horm IGF Res): Children with GH deficiency showed enhanced height velocity and improved serum IGF-1 with GHRP-2 therapy. [Growth Horm IGF Res. 2009;19(2):144–150.]

Packaging Information:

• Form: Lyophilized powder
• Purity: ≥ 99%
• Storage: Store at -20°C in a dry, dark environment
• For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.