In research settings, growth hormone–related peptides provide a window into how the body regulates cell growth, repair, and metabolism. Compounds such as CJC-1295 No DAC, Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, and GHRP-6 have become central to laboratory investigations exploring the growth hormone (GH) axis. This article examines their biochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and importance in scientific research — without medical or therapeutic claims.
Understanding the Growth Hormone Axis
The GH axis involves a tightly coordinated network linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and peripheral tissues. Growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulates GH secretion, while somatostatin inhibits it. Synthetic analogues like CJC-1295 and Sermorelin mimic GHRH activity, whereas peptides such as GHRP-6 and Ipamorelin act on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) to trigger GH release through a different signaling pathway.
Together, these compounds allow researchers to study both GHRH-mediated and ghrelin-mediated mechanisms that influence endocrine function, growth, and cellular metabolism.
CJC-1295 No DAC: A GHRH Analogue for Pulsatile GH Release
CJC-1295 No DAC is a modified version of growth hormone–releasing hormone that lacks the drug affinity complex (DAC). In controlled studies, CJC-1295 No DAC has been used to investigate pulsatile GH release and pituitary responsiveness without the extended half-life seen in DAC-modified versions. Researchers often employ CJC-1295 to analyze short-term GH signaling and receptor sensitivity in laboratory systems.
Ipamorelin: A Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that binds selectively to the ghrelin receptor. Unlike early GHRPs, Ipamorelin exhibits minimal off-target stimulation of cortisol or prolactin, making it a cleaner model for GH secretagogue research. Studies using Ipamorelin focus on receptor specificity, intracellular calcium flux, and cAMP signaling as part of peptide-mediated hormone release.
Reference: Jansson JO et al., “Ipamorelin, the first selective GH secretagogue.” Eur J Endocrinol, 1997.
Sermorelin: Endogenous Pathway Exploration
Sermorelin (GHRH-1-29) is a truncated form of natural growth hormone–releasing hormone used to explore endogenous GH regulation. Because it closely mirrors natural GHRH, researchers use Sermorelin to evaluate hypothalamic–pituitary interactions, receptor affinity, and downstream IGF-1 production in experimental systems.
Reference: Thorner MO et al., “The role of GHRH in stimulating GH secretion in humans.” Endocr Rev, 1984.
GHRP-6: Early Generation GH Secretagogue
GHRP-6 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-6) was among the first synthetic hexapeptides shown to stimulate GH release through the ghrelin receptor. It continues to serve as a comparative reference in studies of receptor kinetics, intracellular signaling, and synergistic effects when combined with GHRH analogues.
Comparative Insights: Synergy and Specificity
When GHRH analogues (CJC-1295, Sermorelin) and GHRP analogues (Ipamorelin, GHRP-6) are used together in research, a synergistic effect on GH release is often observed. This allows laboratories to investigate how dual-pathway stimulation affects pituitary responsiveness, receptor desensitization, and feedback mechanisms.
Applications in Endocrine and Cellular Research
Growth hormone peptides remain valuable tools in:
- Studies of pituitary signaling and GH pulsatility
- Endocrine feedback modeling
- Exploring GH–IGF-1 axis regulation
- Comparative assays with metabolic or regenerative peptides
In Colombia, researchers have increasing access to high-purity GH peptides supplied by Poly Biotech for laboratory use, with secure nationwide shipping and transparent sourcing.
Further Reading and References
- PubChem Database – CJC-1295
- PubChem Database – Ipamorelin
- PubChem Database – Sermorelin
- PubChem Database – GHRP-6
Poly Biotech supplies research-grade peptides only. All compounds are intended for laboratory use in controlled environments, not for human or veterinary application.
