Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a hypothalamic peptide hormone responsible for stimulating synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) from somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary. GHRH binds to the GHRH receptor (GHRHR), a class B G protein-coupled receptor, activating intracellular cAMP/PKA pathways to increase both GH production and cell proliferation in the pituitary. GHRH secretion is regulated by feedback from GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), as well as by inhibitory somatostatin. Physiologically, GHRH is critical for postnatal growth, metabolism, tissue repair, and is involved in sleep, appetite, and other neuroendocrine functions. Mutations or dysregulation of GHRH or its receptor are implicated in disorders such as isolated GH deficiency, acromegaly, lipodystrophy, and certain cancers. Synthetic GHRH analogs are used therapeutically and diagnostically, with safety considerations linked to their potential metabolic and growth effects.

Other names

Growth hormone-releasing factorGHRFGRFSomatocrinin

GHRH analogs bind and activate GHRH receptor (GHRHR), stimulating downstream cAMP/PKA pathway, leading to increased GH synthesis and secretion from pituitary. Some antagonists can block GHRH action at its receptor.