Synonyms / Designations: GHRP-6, Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide, His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂.
CAS Number: 87616-84-0.
Molecular Formula: C46H56N12O
Molecular Weight: ~873.0 g/mol.
Purity: ≥ 99 % (HPLC).
Appearance: White to off-white lyophilised powder.
Pack Size: 10 mg (total).
Storage: Desiccated, protected from light, stored at –20 °C or below
Solubility: Soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions.
Description & Mechanism
GHRP-6 is a synthetic hexapeptide belonging to the class of growth hormone secretagogues and is widely used in biochemical and physiological research to investigate receptor-mediated signalling within the hypothalamic–pituitary axis. It functions primarily as an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed in central nervous system and peripheral tissues.
In cellular and in vivo research systems, GHRP-6 activates GHS-R1a independently of endogenous growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), initiating intracellular signalling cascades involving calcium mobilisation and modulation of secondary messenger pathways. These properties make GHRP-6 a valuable molecular tool for studying GPCR activation, peptide–receptor interactions, and neuroendocrine signalling mechanisms.
In preclinical research settings, exposure to GHRP-6 has been associated with altered signalling along the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, with downstream effects dependent on experimental model, dosage, and exposure conditions. Its robust receptor activity has led to widespread use in mechanistic studies of peptide hormone signalling and receptor pharmacology.
Applications in Research
- As a molecular probe to study growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) activation.
- Investigation of neuroendocrine signalling pathways within the hypothalamic–pituitary axis.
- In cell-based assays examining GPCR-mediated signal transduction and calcium flux.
- In animal or ex vivo experimental models for mechanistic studies of peptide hormone signalling.
- As a reference compound in structure–activity relationship and receptor binding studies.
Specifications Summary
| Parameter |
Typical Value / Range |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥ 99 % |
| Appearance |
White to off-white lyophilised powder |
| Molecular Weight |
~873.0 g/mol |
| Peptide Type |
Synthetic hexapeptide |
| Solubility |
Water, buffered aqueous solutions |
| Storage |
–20 °C, desiccated, dark |
| Pack Size |
10 mg (research scale); bulk available |
Handling, Reconstitution & Stability
- Weigh under dry conditions; peptide is hygroscopic.
- Reconstitute in sterile water or appropriate buffered aqueous solution depending on assay requirements.
- Filter sterilize if required (e.g. 0.22 µm) immediately prior to use.
- Aliquot reconstituted solutions and store at –20 °C or below to minimise degradation.
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Inspect for precipitation or pH changes prior to use in. sensitive assays.
Precautions & Notes
- GHRP-6 activity is concentration-dependent; appropriate dose–response controls are recommended.
- Peptide stability may be influenced by pH, temperature, and prolonged aqueous exposure.
- Light and elevated temperatures may contribute to degradation; store under protective conditions.
- Intended strictly for laboratory research use; not for human or veterinary application.
References
Bowers C.Y. et al. Growth hormone–releasing peptide (GHRP). Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10604470/
Howard A.D. et al. A receptor in pituitary and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release. Science.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8700211/
Ghigo E. et al. Growth hormone–releasing peptides. European Journal of Endocrinology.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9010514/
Kojima M. et al. Ghrelin is a growth hormone–releasing acylated peptide from stomach. Nature.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10541310/
Keywords: GHRP-6, GHRP6, Growth Hormone Releasing Hexapeptide
