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GHRH analogues and growth hormone secretagogues often appear together in literature on the growth hormone axis. They share an interest in the GH axis, but their receptor mechanisms differ.
What are GHRH analogues?
GHRH analogues structurally and functionally target the growth hormone-releasing hormone signalling pathway. Compounds such as sermorelin, tesamorelin and CJC-1295 belong to this broader group. Analytical literature also treats them as a distinct group of synthetic GHRH analogues.
PubMed: LC-MS analysis of GHRH and synthetic analogues
What are GH secretagogues?
Growth hormone secretagogues activate a different receptor system associated with the GHS receptor, or ghrelin receptor signalling pathway. Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 belong to this broader pharmacological group.
PubMed: ipamorelin pharmacology
Two different entry points into the same axis
They can be understood as two different entry points into pituitary GH signalling: one through the GHRH receptor and the other through the GHS receptor system. Their pharmacodynamic characteristics and experimental profiles therefore differ.
Examples by group
| GHRH analogues | GH secretagogues |
|---|---|
| Sermorelin | Ipamorelin |
| Tesamorelin | GHRP-2 |
| CJC-1295 | GHRP-6 |
Why does this distinction matter when reading research?
Findings from a study of a GHRH analogue cannot automatically be transferred to a GH secretagogue, or vice versa. The receptor target, duration of action, research model and level of evidence must each be interpreted separately.
Related content
For a specific comparison, read CJC-1295 No DAC vs Ipamorelin. In the catalogue, see Sermorelin, Tesamorelin, CJC-1295 No DAC, Ipamorelin, GHRP-2 and GHRP-6.
This content helps explain the scientific literature. It is not a medical recommendation or instructions for personal use.