Hexarelin
muscle growth research
MOLECULAR FORMULA
C47H58N12O6
RESEARCH CATEGORY
MUSCLE GROWTH
RESEARCH DATA
PEER REVIEWED
Hexarelin, scientifically termed Examorelin, is a synthetic hexapeptide classified as a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). Its full chemical name is L-Histidyl-2-methyl-D-tryptophyl-L-alanyl-L-tryptophyl-D-phenylalanyl-L-lysinamide, comprising six amino acids with a sequence designed to potently stimulate growth hormone (GH) release. Structurally, it features a modified D-amino acid configuration (D-Trp and D-Phe) enhancing resistance to enzymatic degradation, thereby prolonging its half-life and bioactivity in research settings compared to endogenous GHRH analogs.
Hexarelin is a lab-made peptide with six amino acids that strongly triggers growth hormone release. Its special structure helps it last longer in the body than natural hormones because it resists breakdown by enzymes.
Yes, Hexarelin is widely recognized by its developmental code name, Examorelin, used during its initial synthesis and testing phases. It may also be referred to as His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 in biochemical literature, reflecting its precise amino acid sequence. Occasionally, it's grouped under broader terms like 'GHRP-6 analog' or 'growth hormone-releasing peptide' due to its structural and functional similarity to GHRP-6, though Hexarelin's unique methylation at the D-tryptophan position distinguishes it.
Hexarelin goes by Examorelin in early research and His-D-2-Me-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2 when scientists talk about its structure. Sometimes it's called a GHRP-6 analog or growth hormone-releasing peptide, but its special chemical makeup makes it unique.
Emerging trends in Hexarelin research focus on its potential beyond GH stimulation, exploring cardioprotective effects via non-GH pathways, such as ischemic preconditioning and anti-apoptotic signaling in cardiac myocytes. Hypotheses suggest it may modulate neuroprotection through GH-independent mechanisms, possibly involving opioid or ghrelin receptors, given its structural overlap with GHRP analogs. Recent studies also propose its utility in metabolic research, investigating its influence on insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in preclinical models, though these applications remain exploratory and require extensive validation.
Scientists are jazzed about Hexarelin—it's not just a growth hormone booster anymore! They're guessing it might shield hearts from damage or even protect brain cells in cool new ways, maybe by chatting with different body switches. It could also tweak sugar and fat use—it's like a peptide with a secret multitasking resume!
Hexarelin primarily binds to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR-1a), distinct from GHRH receptors, co-stimulating GH release with GHRH via pituitary somatotrophs. It also exhibits affinity for CD36, a scavenger receptor, potentially mediating cardioprotective effects in ischemia-reperfusion models. Indirectly, it upregulates IGF-1 production via GH release, and some studies suggest minor cross-talk with opioid receptors or ghrelin pathways, though these interactions are less characterized and model-dependent.
Hexarelin's got some VIP connections—it locks onto a special growth hormone switch (GHSR-1a) and teams up with other hormone helpers in the pituitary to pump out GH. It also chats with a heart-protecting receptor (CD36) and might nudge IGF-1 up, even flirting with pain or hunger pathways—it's a social butterfly in the lab!
In rat studies, Hexarelin increases plasma GH levels by 4- to 6-fold within 15–30 minutes post-administration at 100 µg/kg (Deghenghi et al., 1994). IGF-1 levels rise secondarily by 1.5- to 2-fold within hours, reflecting downstream GH effects. Cardioprotective efficacy is notable, reducing infarct size by 30–40% in ischemia-reperfusion rat models at 80 µg/kg (Locatelli et al., 1999), highlighting its potency beyond endocrine modulation.
In lab rats, Hexarelin's a GH turbocharger—boosting it 4 to 6 times higher in minutes with a 100 µg/kg shot (Deghenghi et al., 1994)! IGF-1 climbs 1.5 to 2 times after, and it slashes heart damage by 30–40%—it's a tiny dose with big impact!
Hexarelin is designated for research use only, with standard warnings: 'Not for human consumption,' 'For laboratory use only,' and requiring adherence to IRB/IACUC protocols. No unique contraindications beyond these are noted in literature, as toxicity profiles remain minimal at studied doses, supporting its safe use in preclinical settings.
Hexarelin's a lab-only VIP—labeled 'No humans allowed!' and meant for science adventures. It's got the usual research rulebook, but no scary red flags—it's been smooth in studies so far!
Reconstitute Hexarelin in bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions for optimal solubility and stability. Store lyophilized powder at 2–8°C and reconstituted solution at -20°C, avoiding freeze-thaw cycles to preserve bioactivity. Handle with low-protein-binding materials to minimize loss, and use within 4 weeks post-reconstitution.
Mix Hexarelin with special water to make a 1 mg/mL potion—keep it germ-free! Stash the dry stuff in the fridge, freeze the mix at -20°C like a peptide popsicle, and use gentle tools so it stays strong—good for a month!
No clinical trials or human research exist for Hexarelin as of February 2025; its evaluation is limited to preclinical animal models (e.g., rats, pigs) and in vitro studies. Early development stalled due to lack of progression beyond Phase II trials for diagnostic GH testing in the 1990s, with no therapeutic human data pursued.
Hexarelin's all about animal labs—no human spotlight yet! It's wowed rats and pigs, but human tests stopped short years ago—it's like a science star waiting for its big break!
Hexarelin predominantly affects pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating GH release, and cardiac tissue, where it reduces ischemic damage via CD36 binding (Locatelli et al., 1999). Minimal effects are observed in non-target tissues like liver or kidney in rat models, though GH-mediated IGF-1 increases may influence skeletal muscle indirectly.
Hexarelin's a pituitary party starter—cranking out GH—and a heart helper, shielding it from damage (Locatelli et al., 1999)! It mostly skips other spots like liver or kidneys, but might subtly boost muscles through GH's sidekick, IGF-1.
In rats, Hexarelin (100 µg/kg) elevates GH 4- to 6-fold within 30 minutes (Deghenghi et al., 1994), and at 80 µg/kg, it reduces cardiac infarct size by 30–40% in ischemia models (Locatelli et al., 1999), showcasing robust dual efficacy.
In rats, Hexarelin's a double champ—pumping GH 4 to 6 times higher fast (Deghenghi et al., 1994) and cutting heart damage by 30–40% (Locatelli et al., 1999)—it's a lab superhero!
Future Hexarelin research may explore its cardioprotective potential in chronic heart disease models, neuroprotection via non-GH pathways, or synergy with metabolic therapies for insulin resistance.
What's next for Hexarelin? Maybe healing hearts long-term, shielding brains, or teaming up with sugar-fixers—it's got big dreams to chase!
Tested in rat and pig models (e.g., GH stimulation, cardiac ischemia studies) and in vitro pituitary cell cultures; no human trials reported (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999).
Hexarelin's rocked it in rats, pigs, and lab dishes—boosting GH and saving hearts—but no human gigs yet (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999)!
No formal LD50 data exists; studies report no toxicity at doses up to 1 mg/kg in rats, with no organ damage noted (Deghenghi et al., 1994). High tolerability is observed.
No 'danger limit' for Hexarelin yet—rats handle 1 mg/kg like pros with no harm seen (Deghenghi et al., 1994)! It's a safety rockstar so far!
Hexarelin binds GHSR-1a, activating phospholipase C and intracellular calcium release, amplifying GH secretion independently of GHRH receptors. It also engages CD36 in cardiac tissue, reducing apoptosis via non-GH pathways (Locatelli et al., 1999).
Hexarelin flips a growth switch (GHSR-1a), sparking calcium fireworks to pump GH, and in hearts, it chats with CD36 to block damage—no GH needed there (Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Hexarelin cranks up GH and IGF-1, toughens hearts against damage, and keeps energy steady—no wild shake-ups (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Safe at studied doses (up to 1 mg/kg in rats) with no adverse effects reported; minimal systemic impact (Deghenghi et al., 1994).
At lab doses, Hexarelin's chill—no trouble in rats up to 1 mg/kg, keeping things smooth (Deghenghi et al., 1994)!
Subcutaneous or intravenous injection at 1 mg/mL in bacteriostatic water; typical rat doses 100 µg/kg (Deghenghi et al., 1994). Store at -20°C post-reconstitution.
Inject Hexarelin under skin or in veins after mixing with special water—100 µg/kg for rats rocks it (Deghenghi et al., 1994)! Freeze it at -20°C to keep it fresh!
No significant adverse effects reported; high tolerability noted up to 1 mg/kg in rats (Deghenghi et al., 1994).
No big oopsies—rats take 1 mg/kg like champs, staying happy (Deghenghi et al., 1994)!
Rat studies show 4- to 6-fold GH increase at 100 µg/kg (Deghenghi et al., 1994) and 30–40% infarct reduction at 80 µg/kg (Locatelli et al., 1999)—potent dual action.
In rats, Hexarelin boosts GH 4 to 6 times and slashes heart damage by 30–40%—science gold (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Limited to preclinical data; no human studies, small sample sizes, long-term effects uncharted (Deghenghi et al., 1994).
Only animal tales—no human scoop, tiny test groups, and long-term mysteries remain (Deghenghi et al., 1994)!
Enhances GH secretion, protects cardiac tissue, with hypothesized metabolic and neural effects (Locatelli et al., 1999).
Hexarelin pumps GH, shields hearts, and might tweak sugar or brain action—exciting guesses (Locatelli et al., 1999)!
In vitro: GH release from pituitary cells; in vivo: 4- to 6-fold GH spike, 30–40% infarct reduction (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999).
In dishes, it sparks GH; in rats, it boosts GH 4 to 6 times and cuts heart damage by 30–40%—lab magic (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999)!
100 µg/kg in rats for GH release, 80 µg/kg for cardioprotection (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999).
Rat doses—100 µg/kg for GH, 80 µg/kg for hearts—tiny shots, big wins (Deghenghi et al., 1994; Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Long-term safety, human efficacy, non-GH pathway impacts need exploration (Locatelli et al., 1999).
What happens years later? How's it in people or beyond GH? Big questions to crack (Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Targets GHSR-1a for GH release, CD36 for cardioprotection—no broad growth factor upregulation (Locatelli et al., 1999).
Hexarelin hits GHSR-1a for GH and CD36 for heart saves—no growth factor party, just focused action (Locatelli et al., 1999)!
Test synergy with GHRH, cardiac therapies, or metabolic agents (Locatelli et al., 1999).
Future tests might team Hexarelin with other hormones, heart helpers, or metabolism fixers—lots of cool combos to try!
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