Abstract
Growth hormone secretagogues amplify and mediate endogenous growth hormone release through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. This knowledge complements the previous concept that only GHRH and SST had a role in growth hormone release. The mapping of GHS-R mRNA expression by in situ hybridization showed strong signals in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and pituitary gland. This localization is consistent with its role in GH release regulation and other physiological functions. Growth hormone secretagogues could be used in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of growth hormone deficiencies, aging included. Here we review some of the synthetic and endogenous ligands of GHS-R, their biological activity and the impact they have in endocrine and central nervous system physiology.
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