GHRP-2 (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2), also known as pralmorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide studied as a growth hormone secretagogue. It acts through the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) rather than the classical GHRH pathway, making it a frequently used tool in growth-hormone-axis and receptor-signaling research. Puritide Research supplies GHRP-2 as a high-purity, research-use-only material for in vitro and animal-model work, backed by third-party-verified certificates of analysis.
Product Specifications
- Application
- Growth hormone secretagogue and ghrelin-receptor signaling research
- Appearance
- Solid, white lyophilized powder in a sealed glass vial
- Chemical Formula
- C45H55N9O6
- PubChem SID
- 9822977
- CAS Number
- 158861-67-7
- Molecular Weight
- ~817.97 g/mol
- Synonyms
- GHRP-2, Pralmorelin, KP-102, GPA-748, Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide-2
- Storage
- Store at ≤25°C, sealed, away from heat, light, and moisture. For extended storage, keep lyophilized and refrigerated or frozen.
What Is GHRP-2?
GHRP-2 is a synthetic hexapeptide (sequence D-Ala-D-2-Nal-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2) classified as a growth hormone secretagogue. It belongs to the growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) family and is studied for its capacity to stimulate growth hormone release from anterior pituitary cells in experimental systems.
In research settings, GHRP-2 is used to probe the ghrelin/GHS-R1a receptor system and the regulation of the growth hormone axis. It is often compared with related peptides such as GHRP-6 and Hexarelin to characterize differences in receptor engagement and downstream signaling.
Present understanding derives from in vitro assays, animal models, and biochemical studies. Findings should be interpreted within their experimental context and not treated as established clinical outcomes. Puritide Research supplies GHRP-2 strictly for laboratory use; it is not approved for human or veterinary application.
GHRP-2 Mechanism of Action (Research Only)
GHRP-2 is studied for its action at the ghrelin receptor and its effects on growth hormone secretion in model systems. The mechanisms below reflect observations from biochemical assays, cell-culture studies, and animal models, and should be read strictly in a research context.
Ghrelin Receptor (GHS-R1a) Engagement
GHRP-2 acts as an agonist at the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), the same G-protein-coupled receptor targeted by the endogenous peptide ghrelin. Receptor engagement is coupled to Gq/11 signaling and downstream production of inositol trisphosphate and intracellular calcium mobilization, which are studied as mediators of the growth-hormone-releasing response.
Growth Hormone Axis Modulation
In experimental models, GHRP-2 is investigated for its ability to stimulate growth hormone release from pituitary somatotrophs and for potential interactions with the somatostatin inhibitory pathway that normally restrains GH secretion.
Compared with GHRP-6, GHRP-2 is characterized in research as retaining potent GH-releasing activity while showing a modified profile of ghrelin-associated effects. This makes it useful for dissecting selectivity within the GHS-R1a signaling system.
GHRP-2 Research Applications
GHRP-2 is investigated across endocrine and receptor-signaling research as a model growth hormone secretagogue. The observations below derive from biochemical studies, cell-based assays, and animal models, and should be interpreted within their respective settings.
Growth Hormone Axis and Receptor Pharmacology
A primary application is the study of GHS-R1a receptor pharmacology, binding characteristics, signaling coupling, and the dynamics of growth hormone release in pituitary-cell and animal models. Researchers use GHRP-2 to characterize secretagogue activity within controlled systems.
GHRP-2 is also used to investigate interactions between the ghrelin receptor pathway and the broader growth-hormone regulatory network, including somatostatin and GHRH signaling.
Comparative Secretagogue Studies
Researchers employ GHRP-2 in comparative studies alongside GHRP-6 and Hexarelin to examine differences in receptor engagement, signaling duration, and off-target profiles across the GHRP family. These studies aim to characterize secretagogue pharmacology rather than to establish physiological or therapeutic effects.
Comparison
| Parameter | GHRP-2 | GHRP-6 | Hexarelin |
|---|
| Molecular classification | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue | Synthetic hexapeptide secretagogue |
| Primary receptor target | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) | Ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) |
| Molecular formula | C45H55N9O6 | C46H56N12O6 | C47H58N12O6 |
| Molecular weight | ~817.97 g/mol | ~873.01 g/mol | ~887.04 g/mol |
| Research profile note | Potent GH release with reduced ghrelin-type appetite signaling in models | Original GHRP; pronounced ghrelin-type (appetite) signaling in models | Highly potent secretagogue studied for receptor and cardiac-tissue signaling |
Laboratory Safety & Handling (Research Use Only)
GHRP-2 is a synthetic, lyophilized research peptide for laboratory investigation only. It should be handled by qualified personnel in controlled environments, in accordance with institutional policies, laboratory safety procedures, and applicable regulations. As an investigational material, laboratories should implement practices that prioritize material integrity, traceability, and reproducibility.
Handling & Storage Guidelines
Follow institutional SOPs, chemical hygiene plans, and approved protocols; wear appropriate PPE (lab coat, gloves, eye protection); and use engineering controls where required. Record lot numbers, storage conditions, and handling activities, and retain Certificates of Analysis and batch documentation to support traceability and audit readiness.
Store material under the conditions specified in product documentation, protected from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. Maintain consistent conditions throughout the study period and monitor storage records as part of quality assurance.
Certificate of Analysis & Quality Assurance
Each GHRP-2 batch ships with a third-party-verified Certificate of Analysis, providing transparent, research-grade quality control. The CoA includes a purity assessment (HPLC / reverse-phase chromatography), mass-spectrometry identity confirmation, and lot number, testing date, and method documentation.
Researchers may request sample CoAs (PDF) ahead of purchase to confirm testing parameters, analytical methods, and batch consistency, and are encouraged to perform independent verification.
Research Use Only
