Ghrelin

Definition

Ghrelin stimulates appetite and growth hormone release via GHSR-1a. GHRPs and MK-677 mimic ghrelin at this receptor to trigger GH pulses (and sometimes appetite).

Related terms

• Ghrelin Receptor (GHSR-1a)The growth hormone secretagogue receptor bound by ghrelin, ipamorelin, and MK-677.
• GHRPGrowth hormone-releasing peptide — a class of ghrelin mimetics (ipamorelin, GHRP-2, GHRP-6).

Compounds that reference Ghrelin

• IpamorelinA selective growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
• MK-677An oral ghrelin mimetic (not a peptide) that stimulates growth hormone release. Has extensive human data but has not achieved FDA approval.