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  • Hexarelin Peptide Research: The Complete Guide to This Powerful Growth Hormone Secretagogue

    Research Use Only β€” Informational Content: The information in this article is intended for educational and research purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Iron Peak Peptides products are strictly for laboratory and scientific research β€” not for human consumption. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment or therapy. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

    Hexarelin
    Peptide Research: The Complete Guide to This Powerful Growth Hormone
    Secretagogue

    All products and compounds discussed in this article are intended
    for research purposes only. Hexarelin is not approved for human
    therapeutic use by the FDA. This content does not constitute medical
    advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition.
    Not for human consumption.

    Introduction:
    Why Hexarelin Stands Out Among Growth Hormone-Releasing Peptides

    Among the family of synthetic growth hormone-releasing peptides
    (GHRPs), hexarelin has emerged as one of the most extensively studied
    compounds in contemporary endocrine and cardiovascular research.
    Designated chemically as His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NHβ‚‚,
    hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide that potently stimulates growth
    hormone (GH) release through activation of the growth hormone
    secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a).

    What distinguishes hexarelin peptide research from investigations of
    other GHRPs is the compound’s unique dual-receptor activity. Beyond the
    expected GHS-R1a interaction shared by all growth hormone secretagogues,
    hexarelin also binds to the CD36 receptorβ€”a scavenger receptor
    abundantly expressed in cardiac tissue. This dual mechanism has opened
    an entirely distinct avenue of cardiovascular research that is unmatched
    by other peptides in the GHRP family, including GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Ipamorelin.

    This comprehensive research review examines the published scientific
    literature on hexarelin, covering its mechanism of action, growth
    hormone-releasing properties, cardioprotective research, neuroprotective
    findings, hormonal side-effect profile, and how it compares to other
    growth hormone secretagogues. All findings discussed are drawn from
    peer-reviewed studies published in recognized scientific journals.

    Mechanism
    of Action: GHS-R1a Receptor Activation and Beyond

    Primary
    Pathway β€” The Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor

    Hexarelin peptide research has established that the compound’s
    primary endocrine action occurs through binding to GHS-R1a, a
    G-protein-coupled receptor originally identified in the hypothalamus and
    pituitary gland by Howard et al.Β in their landmark 1996 study (Howard et
    al., Science, 273(5277), 974–977, 1996. DOI: 10.1126/science.273.5277.974).
    GHS-R1a was later recognized as the endogenous receptor for ghrelin, the
    β€œhunger hormone” discovered by Kojima and colleagues (Kojima et al.,
    Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 12(3), 118–122, 2001.
    DOI: 10.1016/S1043-2760(00)00362-3).

    When hexarelin binds GHS-R1a at the pituitary level, it activates a
    phospholipase C/protein kinase C (PLC/PKC) intracellular signaling
    cascade that is mechanistically distinct from the cAMP pathway used by
    growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). This distinct signaling pathway
    is precisely why research has demonstrated potent synergistic effects
    when hexarelin is co-administered with GHRHβ€”the two compounds amplify GH
    release through complementary intracellular mechanisms.

    Research by Deghenghi et al.Β confirmed that hexarelin’s GH-releasing
    activity operates through both hypothalamic and pituitary sites of
    action. In studies using infant and adult rat models, hexarelin
    treatment significantly increased pituitary and hypothalamic GHS-R1a
    mRNA levels, indicating a capacity for receptor upregulation at both
    neuroendocrine sites (Bowers et al., Neuroendocrinology, 80(1),
    52–59, 2004. DOI: 10.1159/000080527).

    The CD36
    Receptor β€” Hexarelin’s Unique Cardiac Pathway

    What truly sets hexarelin apart from every other GHRP is its
    interaction with CD36, a multifunctional glycoprotein expressed in
    cardiomyocytes and microvascular endothelial cells. In a pivotal study,
    Bodart et al.Β identified CD36 as a specific cardiac receptor for
    hexarelin, demonstrating that hexarelin-mediated activation of CD36 in
    perfused hearts induced a dose-dependent increase in coronary perfusion
    pressureβ€”an effect completely absent in hearts from CD36-null mice
    (Bodart et al., β€œCD36 mediates the cardiovascular action of growth
    hormone-releasing peptides in the heart.” Circulation Research,
    90(8), 844–849, 2002. DOI: 10.1161/01.RES.0000016164.02525.B4).

    Importantly, when researchers used radiolabeled hexarelin
    (¹²⁡I-Tyr-Ala-hexarelin) to map binding sites across human
    cardiovascular tissue, the highest binding density was detected in the
    ventricles, followed by the atria, aorta, coronary arteries, carotid
    arteries, and endocardium (Papotti et al., Journal of Clinical
    Endocrinology & Metabolism
    , 85(10), 3803–3807, 2000. DOI: 10.1210/jcem.85.10.6846).
    This cardiac binding was specific to hexarelinβ€”ghrelin was unable to
    displace the radioligand from cardiac binding sites, confirming that the
    CD36-mediated pathway is unique to hexarelin among GHS-R1a agonists.

    Growth
    Hormone Release: Dose-Response Research and Pulse Dynamics

    Human Dose-Response Studies

    The GH-releasing potency of hexarelin in human subjects was
    rigorously characterized in a landmark double-blind, placebo-controlled,
    rising-dose clinical study by Imbimbo et al.Β In this trial, researchers
    administered single intravenous boluses of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 Β΅g/kg to
    twelve healthy adult male volunteers. Plasma GH concentrations increased
    in a clear dose-dependent fashion, peaking at approximately 30 minutes
    post-administration and returning to baseline within 240 minutes. Mean
    peak GH concentrations (Cmax) were 26.9, 52.3, and 55.0 ng/mL at the
    three escalating doses, respectively. The calculated EDβ‚…β‚€ was 0.50 Β΅g/kg
    for Cmax and 0.64 Β΅g/kg for the area under the curve (Imbimbo et al.,
    β€œGrowth hormone-releasing activity of hexarelin in humans: a
    dose-response study.” European Journal of Clinical
    Pharmacology
    , 46(5), 421–425, 1994. DOI: 10.1007/BF00191904).

    A subsequent dose-response study by Massoud et al.Β extended these
    findings, demonstrating that intravenous hexarelin at doses ranging from
    0.125–1.0 Β΅g/kg induced GH, prolactin, and cortisol release in a
    dose-dependent manner. Critically, co-administration of a low dose of
    hexarelin (0.125 Β΅g/kg) with GHRH (1.0 Β΅g/kg) produced a massive,
    synergistic GH response of 115 Β± 32.8 mU/Lβ€”far exceeding the response to
    either agent aloneβ€”with minimal effects on prolactin and cortisol
    (Massoud et al., β€œHexarelin-induced growth hormone, cortisol, and
    prolactin release: a dose-response study.” Journal of Clinical
    Endocrinology & Metabolism
    , 81(12), 4338–4341, 1996. DOI: 10.1210/jcem.81.12.8954038).

    Impact on IGF-1 and
    Pulsatile GH Secretion

    Research has established that hexarelin selectively amplifies GH
    secretory pulse mass rather than pulse frequency. A study examining two
    and three daily subcutaneous injections of hexarelin demonstrated that
    both regimens augmented 24-hour GH secretion equally, acting primarily
    by amplifying individual GH pulse mass (Rahim et al., Journal of
    Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
    , 83(5), 1644–1649, 1998.
    DOI: 10.1210/jcem.83.5.4727).
    However, this study also noted that two-week hexarelin treatment, while
    normalizing impaired pulsatile GH secretion, did not fully recover IGF-1
    levelsβ€”a finding with important implications for research on the
    GH/IGF-1 axis.

    Cardioprotective
    Research: Hexarelin’s Most Distinctive Property

    The cardioprotective effects of hexarelin represent its most unique
    and scientifically compelling area of research. A comprehensive review
    by Mao et al.Β in the Journal of Geriatric Cardiology summarized
    the extensive evidence base for hexarelin’s cardiovascular benefits (Mao
    et al., β€œThe cardiovascular action of hexarelin.” Journal of
    Geriatric Cardiology
    , 11(3), 253–258, 2014. DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2014.03.007).
    These cardiac effects are GH-independent and operate through direct
    activation of cardiac receptors.

    Positive Inotropic Effects

    In human studies, acute intravenous administration of hexarelin (2
    Β΅g/kg) to seven healthy male volunteers increased left ventricular
    ejection fraction (LVEF) from 64.0 Β± 1.5% to 70.7 Β± 3.0% (P < 0.03)
    without affecting mean blood pressure or heart rate. The effect peaked
    at 30 minutes and persisted for up to 60 minutes (Bisi et al.,
    Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 22(4), 266–272,
    1999. DOI: 10.1007/BF03343555). In
    patients with coronary artery disease undergoing bypass surgery,
    hexarelin similarly increased LVEF, cardiac output, and cardiac index
    while reducing wedge pressure (Broglio et al., European Journal of
    Pharmacology
    , 448(2–3), 193–200, 2002. DOI: 10.1016/S0014-2999(02)01934-9).

    Ischemia-Reperfusion
    Protection

    In isolated heart models subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia followed
    by 120 minutes of reperfusion, hexarelin at 1 Β΅mol/L significantly
    reduced infarct size. The protective mechanism involves protein kinase C
    signaling, modification of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
    pathways, and inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Chronic hexarelin
    administration to GH-deficient rats produced a pronounced protective
    effect against ischemic and post-ischemic ventricular dysfunction,
    confirming that the cardioprotection is independent of GH elevation
    (Locatelli et al., β€œGrowth hormone-independent cardioprotective effects
    of hexarelin in the rat.” Endocrinology, 140(9), 4024–4031,
    1999. DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.9.6948).

    Anti-Fibrotic
    and Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects

    Research in spontaneously hypertensive rats demonstrated that five
    weeks of hexarelin treatment (100 Β΅g/kg/day) significantly reduced
    cardiac fibrosis by decreasing interstitial and perivascular myocardial
    collagen deposition. Hexarelin also increased matrix metalloproteinase-2
    and -9 activities while attenuating left ventricular hypertrophy and
    diastolic dysfunction (Xu et al., β€œChronic administration of hexarelin
    attenuates cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.”
    American Journal of Physiology β€” Heart and Circulatory
    Physiology
    , 303(6), H703–H711, 2012. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00257.2011).

    Anti-atherosclerotic effects have also been observed. In rats fed a
    high-lipid diet, hexarelin treatment suppressed the formation of
    atherosclerotic plaques, partially reversed HDL/LDL cholesterol ratios,
    and increased serum nitric oxide levels and aortic endothelial nitric
    oxide synthase expression.

    Hexarelin
    vs.Β Other GHRPs: A Research Comparison

    Understanding how hexarelin compares to other members of the GHRP
    familyβ€”including GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Ipamorelinβ€”is a key focus in growth
    hormone secretagogue research.

    Hexarelin vs.Β GHRP-2 and
    GHRP-6

    A direct comparison study by Arvat et al.Β evaluated hexarelin and
    GHRP-2 head-to-head in healthy young adults. Both peptides administered
    at 1 Β΅g/kg IV induced similar, robust GH responses that exceeded the
    response to GHRH alone. Both hexarelin and GHRP-2 also elevated
    prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol to similar degrees (Arvat et al., β€œEffects
    of GHRP-2 and hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH,
    prolactin, ACTH and cortisol levels in man.”
    Neuroendocrinology, 65(4), 268–274, 1997. DOI: 10.1159/000127187). GHRP-6
    is generally considered less potent for GH release than both hexarelin
    and GHRP-2, but produces stronger appetite stimulation due to its
    ghrelin-mimetic properties.

    Hexarelin vs.Β Ipamorelin

    Ipamorelin is often described as the most selective GHRP, producing
    GH release with minimal effects on cortisol and prolactin. Hexarelin, by
    contrast, produces a stronger peak GH response but with more pronounced
    effects on ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin, particularly at higher doses.
    However, hexarelin’s unique CD36-mediated cardioprotective effects are
    not shared by Ipamorelin, making the two peptides suited to different
    areas of research inquiry.

    Hexarelin vs.Β Ghrelin

    Hexarelin is chemically more stable than its natural analog ghrelin
    (half-life of 57–71 minutes vs.Β 11–31 minutes for ghrelin) and
    demonstrates more potent cardiovascular effects. In hypophysectomized
    rats, equimolar hexarelin was more effective than ghrelin in preventing
    increases in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and creatine kinase
    release after ischemia-reperfusion. The ECβ‚…β‚€ of hexarelin for GHS-R1a
    (1.7 nmol/L) is comparable to ghrelin (1.0 nmol/L), suggesting the
    greater cardiovascular potency of hexarelin is driven largely by its
    additional CD36 interactions (Torsello et al., Endocrinology,
    144(5), 1787–1792, 2003. DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-221048).

    FeatureHexarelinGHRP-2GHRP-6Ipamorelin
    GH Release PotencyVery HighVery HighModerate-HighModerate-High
    CD36 BindingYesNoNoNo
    Cortisol ElevationModerateModerateMild-ModerateMinimal
    Prolactin ElevationModerateModerateMildMinimal
    Appetite StimulationMildMildStrongMinimal
    Cardioprotective DataExtensiveLimitedLimitedNone

    Cortisol,
    Prolactin, and Desensitization Patterns

    Acute Hormonal Effects

    Hexarelin peptide research has consistently shown that acute
    administration produces dose-dependent elevations in cortisol and
    prolactin alongside GH release. In the dose-response study by Massoud et
    al., the cortisol dose-response curve showed a step increase to
    approximately 40% above baseline at hexarelin doses of 0.5 Β΅g/kg, while
    prolactin reached a plateau of 180% maximum rise at 1.0 Β΅g/kg.
    Importantly, low-dose hexarelin (0.125 Β΅g/kg) combined with GHRH
    produced potent GH release with minimal effects on cortisol and
    prolactin, suggesting that careful dose optimization can dissociate the
    desired GH response from ancillary hormonal effects.

    Chronic
    Administration: No Sustained Overstimulation

    A critical 16-week clinical study by Rahim et al.Β directly addressed
    concerns about sustained cortisol and prolactin elevation during chronic
    hexarelin therapy. Subjects received twice-daily subcutaneous hexarelin
    (1.5 Β΅g/kg) for 16 weeks. The results were notable: the cortisol
    area-under-the-curve actually decreased significantly compared
    to baseline by week 16 (P < 0.05), and returned to normal within four
    weeks of discontinuation. Prolactin showed no significant change over
    the 16-week study period. Urinary free cortisol remained unchanged
    throughout (Rahim et al., β€œThe effect of chronic hexarelin
    administration on the pituitary-adrenal axis and prolactin.”
    Clinical Endocrinology, 50(1), 77–84, 1999. DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.1999.00609.x).

    GH Response Desensitization

    Unlike some GHRPs, hexarelin does exhibit partial desensitization of
    the GH response with extended administration. Research has shown a
    statistically non-significant decrease in the acute GH response after
    one week of therapy, with some further attenuation over longer treatment
    periods. However, this desensitization is partialβ€”hexarelin continues to
    augment 24-hour GH secretory pulse mass even during chronic use, albeit
    with a reduced peak response compared to acute administration.

    Neuroprotective Research
    Findings

    Hippocampal
    Neurogenesis After Brain Irradiation

    A compelling area of hexarelin peptide research involves its
    potential neuroprotective properties. Barlind et al.Β examined whether
    hexarelin could promote proliferation and survival of progenitor cells
    in the hippocampus following cranial irradiation in a mouse model.
    Ten-day-old male mice received 6 Gy cranial irradiation and were
    subsequently treated with hexarelin (100 Β΅g/kg/day) for 28 days. The
    results demonstrated that hexarelin significantly increased the number
    of BrdU-positive cells in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus by
    approximately 50% compared to controlsβ€”suggesting a partial restoration
    of the proliferating progenitor cell pool following radiation injury
    (Barlind et al., β€œThe growth hormone secretagogue hexarelin increases
    cell proliferation in neuroprogenitor cells of the hippocampus after
    irradiation.” Growth Hormone & IGF Research, 20(1), 46–52,
    2010. DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2009.08.002).

    Neonatal Brain Injury
    Protection

    Additional neuroprotective research has shown that hexarelin
    administration reduced neonatal brain damage by approximately 39% in a
    treatment group compared to vehicle controls, with significant reduction
    observed in the cerebral cortex. These protective effects were
    associated with modulation of the Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3Ξ²
    (GSK-3Ξ²) phosphorylation pathway, a well-characterized survival
    signaling cascade in neural tissue.

    The neuroprotective properties of hexarelin are consistent with the
    broader understanding that GHS-R1a is expressed throughout the brain,
    including in the hippocampusβ€”a region critical for memory and learning.
    These findings have positioned hexarelin as a compound of interest for
    research into radiation-induced cognitive decline, neurodegeneration,
    and brain injury recovery.

    Metabolic
    Research: Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Sensitivity

    Recent hexarelin research has expanded into metabolic disorders. A
    2017 study by Rodrigue-Way et al.Β examined the effects of twice-daily
    hexarelin injections (200 Β΅g/kg) in insulin-resistant MKR mice.
    Hexarelin treatment significantly improved glucose and insulin
    intolerance, decreased plasma and liver triglycerides, and corrected
    abnormal body composition by decreasing fat mass and increasing lean
    massβ€”all without changing total body weight. These metabolic benefits
    were attributed to improved lipid metabolism and enhanced adipocyte
    differentiation of white adipose tissue mediated through the CD36
    receptor (Rodrigue-Way et al., β€œHexarelin, a growth hormone
    secretagogue, improves lipid metabolic abnormalities in nonobese
    insulin-resistant MKR mice.” Endocrinology, 158(11), 3759–3770,
    2017. DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00168).

    These findings suggest that hexarelin’s CD36 receptor activity may
    have applications in research on metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and
    non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseβ€”areas distinct from its growth
    hormone-releasing properties.

    Frequently
    Asked Questions About Hexarelin Peptide Research

    What is
    hexarelin and how does it differ from ghrelin?

    Hexarelin is a synthetic hexapeptide growth hormone secretagogue
    (His-D-2-methyl-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NHβ‚‚) that stimulates GH release
    through the GHS-R1a receptor. Unlike ghrelinβ€”the natural 28-amino acid
    endogenous ligandβ€”hexarelin is chemically more stable (half-life of
    57–71 minutes vs.Β 11–31 minutes), and uniquely binds the CD36 cardiac
    receptor, conferring cardioprotective properties not shared by ghrelin.
    All hexarelin products sold by Iron Peak Peptides are for research
    purposes only.

    What
    receptors does hexarelin activate in research models?

    Research has identified two primary receptors for hexarelin: GHS-R1a
    (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a) in the pituitary and
    hypothalamus, and CD36 in cardiac tissue. The GHS-R1a pathway mediates
    growth hormone release, while the CD36 pathway is responsible for the
    GH-independent cardioprotective effects documented in published studies.
    For more on peptide receptor terminology, see our Peptide Glossary.

    How
    does hexarelin compare to GHRP-2 and Ipamorelin for GH release?

    In published comparative studies, hexarelin and GHRP-2 have
    demonstrated similar GH-releasing potency, both exceeding the response
    to GHRH alone. Ipamorelin produces more selective GH release with
    minimal cortisol and prolactin elevation but lacks hexarelin’s
    CD36-mediated cardiovascular effects. The choice between these peptides
    in research depends on the specific endpoints being studied. Explore
    related products: GHRP-2 | Ipamorelin.

    Does
    hexarelin research show desensitization over time?

    Yes, published studies indicate partial desensitization of the acute
    GH response during chronic hexarelin administration. However, hexarelin
    continues to augment overall 24-hour pulsatile GH secretion even with
    extended use. In chronic studies lasting 16 weeks, the cortisol and
    prolactin responses did not show sustained overstimulationβ€”cortisol AUC
    actually decreased with chronic use.

    What
    cardioprotective effects has hexarelin shown in research?

    Hexarelin has demonstrated cardioprotective properties across
    multiple research models, including: positive inotropic effects
    (increased LVEF in both healthy volunteers and cardiac patients),
    protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduction of cardiac
    fibrosis in hypertensive models, inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis,
    and suppression of atherosclerotic plaque formation. These effects are
    mediated primarily through the CD36 receptor and are independent of GH
    release.

    What
    neuroprotective properties has hexarelin demonstrated?

    In preclinical mouse models, hexarelin increased hippocampal
    neuroprogenitor cell proliferation by approximately 50% following
    cranial irradiation and reduced neonatal brain injury by approximately
    39%. These effects are mediated through GHS-R1a receptors expressed in
    the brain and involve activation of the Akt/GSK-3Ξ² survival signaling
    pathway.

    Is hexarelin
    approved for human therapeutic use?

    No.Β Hexarelin is classified as a research compound and is not
    approved for human therapeutic use by any major regulatory agency. All
    hexarelin products available from Iron Peak Peptides are sold
    exclusively for in vitro research and laboratory use. Not for human
    consumption.

    Can
    hexarelin be combined with CJC-1295 in research protocols?

    Hexarelin and CJC-1295
    operate through complementary mechanismsβ€”hexarelin via GHS-R1a/PKC
    signaling and CJC-1295 via the GHRH receptor/cAMP pathway. Published
    research on combining GHRPs with GHRH analogs has demonstrated
    synergistic amplification of GH release, making this combination a
    common area of investigation in growth hormone secretagogue
    research.

    Conclusion:
    The Future of Hexarelin Peptide Research

    Hexarelin occupies a unique position in growth hormone secretagogue
    research as the only GHRP with demonstrated dual-receptor
    activityβ€”activating both the canonical GHS-R1a pathway and the
    cardiac-specific CD36 receptor. This dual mechanism has generated a
    research portfolio that spans endocrinology, cardiovascular science,
    neuroscience, and metabolic diseaseβ€”an unusually broad scope for a
    single hexapeptide.

    The existing body of peer-reviewed literature supports hexarelin as
    one of the most potent GH-releasing peptides available to researchers,
    with a well-characterized dose-response profile and predictable hormonal
    effects. Its cardioprotective propertiesβ€”including anti-fibrotic,
    anti-apoptotic, anti-atherogenic, and positive inotropic activityβ€”are
    unique among all GHRPs studied to date and represent perhaps its most
    clinically promising avenue for future investigation.

    As research continues to evolve in the areas of cardiac protection,
    neuroregeneration, and metabolic modulation, hexarelin remains a
    critically important tool in the peptide researcher’s repertoire. For
    researchers looking to investigate hexarelin alongside other growth
    hormone secretagogues, Iron Peak Peptides offers research-grade Hexarelin as well as complementary
    peptides including GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, and CJC-1295 DAC.

    For questions about our research peptide catalog, contact us at
    info@ironpeakpeptides.com.

    Research Disclaimer

    The information presented in this article is intended for
    educational and research purposes only. Hexarelin and all other peptides
    referenced in this article are sold by Iron Peak Peptides strictly for
    in vitro research and laboratory use. These products are not intended
    for human consumption, and they are not to be used as drugs, food
    additives, or household chemicals. Nothing in this article should be
    interpreted as medical advice or as an endorsement of any specific
    therapeutic application. Always consult qualified researchers and
    relevant regulatory guidelines before initiating any research involving
    peptide compounds.

    References

    1. Howard AD, Feighner SD, Cully DF, et al.Β β€œA receptor in pituitary
      and hypothalamus that functions in growth hormone release.”
      Science, 273(5277), 974–977, 1996. DOI: 10.1126/science.273.5277.974

    2. Kojima M, Hosoda H, Matsuo H, et al.Β β€œGhrelin: discovery of the
      natural endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor.”
      Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 12(3), 118–122, 2001.
      DOI: 10.1016/S1043-2760(00)00362-3

    3. Bodart V, Febbraio M, Demers A, et al.Β β€œCD36 mediates the
      cardiovascular action of growth hormone-releasing peptides in the
      heart.” Circulation Research, 90(8), 844–849, 2002. DOI: 10.1161/01.RES.0000016164.02525.B4

    4. Papotti M, GhΓ¨ C, Cassoni P, et al.Β β€œGrowth hormone secretagogue
      binding sites in peripheral human tissues.” Journal of Clinical
      Endocrinology & Metabolism
      , 85(10), 3803–3807, 2000. DOI: 10.1210/jcem.85.10.6846

    5. Imbimbo BP, Mant T, Edwards M, et al.Β β€œGrowth hormone-releasing
      activity of hexarelin in humans: a dose-response study.” European
      Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
      , 46(5), 421–425, 1994. DOI: 10.1007/BF00191904

    6. Massoud AF, Hindmarsh PC, Brook CG. β€œHexarelin-induced growth
      hormone, cortisol, and prolactin release: a dose-response study.”
      Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 81(12),
      4338–4341, 1996. DOI: 10.1210/jcem.81.12.8954038

    7. Mao Y, Tokudome T, Kishimoto I. β€œThe cardiovascular action of
      hexarelin.” Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 11(3), 253–258,
      2014. DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2014.03.007

    8. Bisi G, Podio V, Valetto MR, et al.Β β€œAcute cardiovascular and
      hormonal effects of GH and hexarelin, a synthetic GH-releasing peptide,
      in humans.” Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 22(4),
      266–272, 1999. DOI: 10.1007/BF03343555

    9. Broglio F, Guarracino F, Benso A, et al.Β β€œEffects of acute
      hexarelin administration on cardiac performance in patients with
      coronary artery disease during by-pass surgery.” European Journal of
      Pharmacology
      , 448(2–3), 193–200, 2002. DOI: 10.1016/S0014-2999(02)01934-9

    10. Locatelli V, Rossoni G, Schweiger F, et al.Β β€œGrowth
      hormone-independent cardioprotective effects of hexarelin in the rat.”
      Endocrinology, 140(9), 4024–4031, 1999. DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.9.6948

    11. Xu X, Ding F, Pang J, et al.Β β€œChronic administration of hexarelin
      attenuates cardiac fibrosis in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.”
      American Journal of Physiology β€” Heart and Circulatory
      Physiology
      , 303(6), H703–H711, 2012. DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00257.2011

    12. Torsello A, Bresciani E, Rossoni G, et al.Β β€œGhrelin plays a minor
      role in the physiological control of cardiac function in the rat.”
      Endocrinology, 144(5), 1787–1792, 2003. DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-221048

    13. Arvat E, Ramunni J, Giordano R, et al.Β β€œEffects of GHRP-2 and
      hexarelin, two synthetic GH-releasing peptides, on GH, prolactin, ACTH
      and cortisol levels in man.” Neuroendocrinology, 65(4),
      268–274, 1997. DOI: 10.1159/000127187

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