Hexarelin

Hexarelin (examorelin; His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) is a synthetic, C-terminally amidated hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue. It is a close structural analogue of GHRP-6, differing by a methyl group at the 2-position of the indole ring of the D-tryptophan residue at position 2.

Hexarelin is characterised as an agonist of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a, the ghrelin receptor) and has been investigated for GH-releasing activity in infant and adult rats. It is also notable for binding sites outside the pituitary: photoaffinity labelling of rat cardiac membranes identified the scavenger receptor CD36 as a hexarelin-binding protein, and CD36-dependent increases in coronary perfusion pressure were reported in isolated perfused hearts, with the response absent in CD36-deficient animals. Hexarelin is therefore used in research on GHS-R1a pharmacology, somatotroph signalling and CD36-mediated signalling in cardiovascular tissue.

Supplied as a lyophilized powder in a sealed vial.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.