Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH.

Arvat E, di Vito L, Maccagno B, Broglio F, Boghen MF, Deghenghi R, Camanni F, Ghigo E

Peptides1 Jan 1997Cited by 43 (Europe PMC)

PMID9285939DOI10.1016/s0196-9781(97)00016-8PepBankPUB-09285939

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Summary

The text of this summary is not shown here, because the article license does not allow reuse. Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)

Text rights: Publisher copyright. Results still quote short attributed sentences.

Results from this study16

16 results from studies that gave the peptide. 16 results from people.

01HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, 1 microgram/kg i.v. GHRP‑2 induced a strong GH response, higher than the response to GHRH (p < 0.05).
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 raised growth hormone more than GHRH did.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseGH response versus GHRH at 1 microg/kg
Study
n = 6
Comparator
GHRH
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In young adults 1 microgram/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX induced a similar, strong GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that to GHRH.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593901
02HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, 1 microgram/kg i.v. hexarelin induced a strong GH response, higher than the response to GHRH (p < 0.05).
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin raised growth hormone more than GHRH did.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseGH response versus GHRH at 1 microg/kg
Study
n = 6
Comparator
GHRH
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In young adults 1 microgram/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX induced a similar, strong GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that to GHRH.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593902
03HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP‑2 elicited a higher GH response than the 1.0 microgram/kg dose (p < 0.05).
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, the higher GHRP‑2 dose raised growth hormone more than the lower dose.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseGH response at 2.0 versus 1.0 microg/kg
Study
n = 6
Comparator
1.0 microg/kg dose
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The administration of 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX again elicited a similar GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that after the 1.0 microgram/kg dose.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593903
04HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. hexarelin elicited a higher GH response than the 1.0 microgram/kg dose (p < 0.05).
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, the higher hexarelin dose raised growth hormone more than the lower dose.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseGH response at 2.0 versus 1.0 microg/kg
Study
n = 6
Comparator
1.0 microg/kg dose
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
2.0 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The administration of 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX again elicited a similar GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that after the 1.0 microgram/kg dose.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593904
05HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 and hexarelin induced a similar GH response at 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 and hexarelin raised growth hormone by a similar amount.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
No significant changeGH response versus hexarelin
Study
n = 6
Comparator
Hexarelin
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 and 2 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In young adults 1 microgram/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX induced a similar, strong GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that to GHRH.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The administration of 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX again elicited a similar GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that after the 1.0 microgram/kg dose.
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593905
06HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, hexarelin and GHRP-2 induced a similar GH response at 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin and GHRP-2 raised growth hormone by a similar amount.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeGH response versus GHRP-2
Study
n = 6
Comparator
GHRP-2
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 and 2 microg/kg · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
In young adults 1 microgram/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX induced a similar, strong GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that to GHRH.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The administration of 2.0 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX again elicited a similar GH response, which was higher (p < 0.05) than that after the 1.0 microgram/kg dose.
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593906
07HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. GHRP‑2 induced increases in PRL, similar to those after hexarelin.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 raised prolactin, about as much as hexarelin.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreasePRL increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593907
08HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. hexarelin induced increases in PRL, similar to those after GHRP-2.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin raised prolactin, about as much as GHRP-2.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreasePRL increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593908
09HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. GHRP‑2 induced increases in ACTH, similar to those after hexarelin.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 raised ACTH, about as much as hexarelin.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseACTH increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593909
10HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. hexarelin induced increases in ACTH, similar to those after GHRP-2.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin raised ACTH, about as much as GHRP-2.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseACTH increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593910
11HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. GHRP‑2 induced increases in cortisol, similar to those after hexarelin.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 raised cortisol, about as much as hexarelin.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593911
12HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, i.v. hexarelin induced increases in cortisol, similar to those after GHRP-2.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin raised cortisol, about as much as GHRP-2.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
IncreaseCortisol increase
Study
n = 6
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
they induce similar increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593912
13HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, the PRL-releasing activity of the GHRPs, GHRP‑2 included, was lower than that of TRH.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 and hexarelin raised prolactin less than TRH did.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
DecreasePRL release versus TRH
Study
n = 6
Comparator
TRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The PRL-releasing activity of GHRPs is lower than that of TRH
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593913
14HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, the PRL-releasing activity of the GHRPs, hexarelin included, was lower than that of TRH.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin and GHRP-2 raised prolactin less than TRH did.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
DecreasePRL release versus TRH
Study
n = 6
Comparator
TRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
The PRL-releasing activity of GHRPs is lower than that of TRH
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593914
15HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, the ACTH/cortisol-releasing activity of the GHRPs, GHRP‑2 included, was similar to that of hCRH.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, GHRP‑2 and hexarelin raised ACTH and cortisol about as much as hCRH did.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
No significant changeACTH and cortisol release versus hCRH
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
while their ACTH/cortisol-releasing activity is similar to that of hCRH.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593915
16HumanNon-randomized trialEfficacy outcome
In 6 young adults, the ACTH/cortisol-releasing activity of the GHRPs, hexarelin included, was similar to that of hCRH.
In plain wordsIn 6 young adults, hexarelin and GHRP-2 raised ACTH and cortisol about as much as hCRH did.
Peptide
Hexarelin
Outcome
No significant changeACTH and cortisol release versus hCRH
Study
n = 6
Comparator
hCRH
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
Dose not stated · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
while their ACTH/cortisol-releasing activity is similar to that of hCRH.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
To clarify these points, in 6 normal young adults (22-27 yr) we studied the GH, PRL, ACTH and cortisol responses to 1 and 2 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRP-2 and HEX comparing them with that after 1 micrograms/kg i.v. GHRH and 400 micrograms i.v. TRH + 2 micrograms/kg i.v. hCRH.
Report a problemFND-0928593916

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Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Versions 5 to 19Current
28 Oct 2026, 02:02 UTC
The same notice was added 15 times, first on 13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study results updated
Versions 3 to 4
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
The same notice was added 2 times, first on 13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 2
12 Oct 2026, 12:58 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:13 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Effects of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man. Comparison with the effects of GHRH, TRH and hCRH.

Summary

Results from this study16

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms