GHRP-2

Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptide 2 (GHRP-2), also known by the non-proprietary name Pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide and a member of the growth hormone secretagogue class.

Its primary mechanism of action is to function as a potent agonist for the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR-1a). This is the same receptor that is activated by ghrelin, an endogenous hormone often referred to as the "hunger hormone." By stimulating this receptor in the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, GHRP-2 triggers a strong release of the body's own growth hormone (GH).

In addition to this primary action, GHRP-2 is also understood to amplify the natural GH pulse by suppressing somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits GH release. A known characteristic of GHRP-2, resulting from its ghrelin-mimetic activity, is the potential to increase appetite. It may also transiently increase levels of other hormones, such as prolactin and cortisol, particularly at higher experimental dosages. It has been investigated clinically as a diagnostic agent for growth hormone deficiency.