Ipamorelin, a new growth-hormone-releasing peptide, induces longitudinal bone growth in rats
Ipamorelin, um novo peptídeo liberador de hormônio do crescimento, induz crescimento ósseo longitudinal em ratos
Johansen PB, Nowak J, Skjaerbaek C, Flyvbjerg A, Andreassen TT, Wilken M, Orskov H
Growth Horm IGF Res
Summary
This study evaluated the effects of ipamorelin on longitudinal bone growth in hypophysectomized rats, a classic model for investigating the anabolic action of growth hormone secretagogues. The researchers administered ipamorelin subcutaneously for 15 days and measured bone morphometric parameters.
The results demonstrated that ipamorelin induced, in a dose-dependent manner:
- Longitudinal bone growth as measured by tetracycline incorporation
- Increased epiphyseal plate width of the tibia
- Elevated circulating IGF-I levels
In rats with intact pituitaries, ipamorelin also robustly stimulated GH secretion. The magnitude of the bone anabolic effect was comparable to that observed with recombinant GH administered under the same experimental conditions, indicating that ipamorelin can effectively mimic the physiological action of GH on skeletal tissues.
This work provided important evidence of ipamorelin's potential as a bone growth-promoting agent, opening perspectives for applications in growth disorders and in conditions associated with bone loss.
Related Peptide
Ipamorelin
Third-generation GH secretagogue with a highly selective profile. Synthetic pentapeptide (Aib-His-D-2-Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) that acts as a selective agonist of the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a). Does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH.