Neuroendocrinology of prolonged critical illness: effects of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its combination with growth hormone secretagogues.

Van den Berghe G, de Zegher F, Baxter RC, Veldhuis JD, Wouters P, Schetz M, Verwaest C, Van der Vorst E, Lauwers P, Bouillon R, Bowers CY

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism1 Feb 1998Cited by 131 (Europe PMC)

PMID9467533DOI10.1210/jcem.83.2.4575PepBankPUB-09467533

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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

4 results from studies that gave the peptide. 4 results from people.

01HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRP‑2 infusion amplified pulsatile GH secretion more than 6-fold.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRP‑2 infusion raised pulsed growth hormone release more than 6 times.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreasePulsatile GH secretion with GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microgram/kg per h after a 1 microgram/kg bolus · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Pulsatile GH secretion was amplified > 6- and > 10-fold, respectively, by GHRP-2 and GHRH + GHRP-2 infusions
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
Report a problemFND-0946753306
02HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum IGF-I by 66% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRP‑2 infusion raised IGF-I in the blood within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum IGF-I rise with GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microgram/kg per h after a 1 microgram/kg bolus · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Serum IGF-I rise
66%
GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
Report a problemFND-0946753308
03HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum IGFBP-3 by 50% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRP‑2 infusion raised IGFBP-3 in the blood within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum IGFBP-3 rise with GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microgram/kg per h after a 1 microgram/kg bolus · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Serum IGFBP-3 rise
50%
GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
Report a problemFND-0946753310
04HumanRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum acid-labile subunit (ALS) by 65% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRP‑2 infusion raised ALS, an IGF-carrying protein, within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum ALS rise with GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Studied dose
1 microgram/kg per h after a 1 microgram/kg bolus · intravenousAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
Serum ALS rise
65%
GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
Report a problemFND-0946753312

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking GHRP-2.

05HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, TRH alone or with GH secretagogues augmented nonpulsatile TSH release 2- to 5-fold.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, TRH alone or with growth hormone releasers raised background TSH release.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseNonpulsatile TSH release with TRH
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Thyroid function · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
Infusion of TRH alone or in combination with GH secretagogues augmented nonpulsatile TSH release 2- to 5-fold
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753301
06HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, only TRH plus GHRP‑2 increased pulsatile TSH secretion, 4-fold.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, only TRH plus GHRP‑2 raised pulsed TSH release.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreasePulsatile TSH secretion with TRH plus GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Thyroid function · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
only TRH + GHRP-2 increased pulsatile TSH secretion (4-fold).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753302
07HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, all three TRH-containing infusion combinations raised T4 by 40-54%.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, the TRH infusion combinations raised thyroid hormone T4.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseT4 rise with TRH combinations
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Thyroid function · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
T4 rise
40 to 54%
all three combinations
Source sentences
Summary
Average rises in T4 (40-54%) and in T3 (52-116%) were obtained with all three combinations
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753303
08HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, all three TRH-containing infusion combinations raised T3 by 52-116%.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, the TRH infusion combinations raised thyroid hormone T3.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseT3 rise with TRH combinations
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Thyroid function · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
T3 rise
52 to 116%
all three combinations
Source sentences
Summary
Average rises in T4 (40-54%) and in T3 (52-116%) were obtained with all three combinations
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753304
09HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, reverse T3 did not increase with the combinations, except when TRH was infused alone.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, reverse T3 did not rise with the combinations, only with TRH alone.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
No significant changeReverse T3 levels
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Thyroid function · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
whereas reverse T3 levels did not increase, except when TRH was infused alone.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753305
10HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 infusion amplified pulsatile GH secretion more than 10-fold.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 raised pulsed growth hormone release more than 10 times.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreasePulsatile GH secretion with GHRH plus GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
Pulsatile GH secretion was amplified > 6- and > 10-fold, respectively, by GHRP-2 and GHRH + GHRP-2 infusions
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753307
11HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum IGF-I by 106% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 raised IGF-I in the blood within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum IGF-I rise with GHRH plus GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
Serum IGF-I rise
106%
GHRH plus GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753309
12HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum IGFBP-3 by 56% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 raised IGFBP-3 in the blood within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum IGFBP-3 rise with GHRH plus GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
Serum IGFBP-3 rise
56%
GHRH plus GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753311
13HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 infusion raised mean serum acid-labile subunit (ALS) by 97% within 45 h.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, GHRH plus GHRP‑2 raised ALS, an IGF-carrying protein, within 45 hours.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseSerum ALS rise with GHRH plus GHRP-2
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Measurements
Serum ALS rise
97%
GHRH plus GHRP-2
Source sentences
Summary
generating mean increases of serum IGF-I (66% and 106%), IGFBP-3 (50% and 56%), and ALS (65% and 97%) within 45 h.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753313
14HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, adding TRH did not alter the GH secretory patterns of the GH secretagogue infusions.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, adding TRH did not change how growth hormone was released.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
No significant changeGH secretory patterns with added TRH
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Growth hormone and IGF-1 · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
The addition of TRH did not alter the GH secretory patterns.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753314
15HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialEfficacy outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, TRH infusion increased PRL release only when combined with GH secretagogues.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, TRH raised prolactin only when given with growth hormone releasers.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
IncreaseProlactin release with TRH plus GH secretagogues
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Pituitary hormones · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
TRH infusion increased PRL release only when combined with GH secretagogues.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753315
16HumanNot a test of GHRP-2 aloneRandomized controlled trialSafety outcome
In prolonged critically ill patients, no effects on serum cortisol were detected with the TRH and GH secretagogue infusions.
In plain wordsIn patients with long critical illness, the infusions did not change cortisol levels.
Peptide
GHRP-2
Outcome
No significant changeSerum cortisol
Study
n: not reported in source
Outcome group
Adverse events · Endocrine and hormones
Source sentences
Summary
No effects on serum cortisol were detected.
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
The neuroendocrine component in the pathogenesis of these low activity states was assessed by investigating the effects of continuous intravenous infusions of TRH, GH-releasing peptide-2 (GHRP-2), and GHRH.
Summary · context
They had been randomly allocated to one of three combinations of peptide infusions, each administered in random order: TRH (one night) and placebo (other night), TRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRP-2 (other night), or TRH + GHRH + GHRP-2 (one night) and GHRH + GHRP-2 (other night).
In this study, GHRP-2 was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking GHRP-2.
Report a problemFND-0946753316

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

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.

Version 2Current
13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.

Neuroendocrinology of prolonged critical illness: effects of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone and its combination with growth hormone secretagogues.

Summary

Results from this study16

Studies that did not test the peptide alone12

Version history

Subjects

Publication types

MeSH terms