Comparison
GHRP-6 vs. Octreotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Growth
Research other
CAS no.
87616-84-0
83150-76-9
Molecular weight
873.02 g/mol
1019.24 g/mol
Half-life
0.4 h
1.7 h
Sequence
His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH2D-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr(ol)Mechanism of action
GHRP-6
GHRP-6 is a high-affinity agonist of the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a) — the same receptor later shown to bind the endogenous hormone ghrelin. The identification of GHRP-6 as a pharmacological anchor led to cloning of GHSR in 1996 and the discovery of ghrelin itself in 1999. GHRP-6 stimulates pituitary GH secretion via a pathway independent of GHRH and can be combined synergistically with GHRH. Via GHSR in the hypothalamus it additionally activates NPY/AgRP neurons, producing an orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) effect in animal models.
Octreotide
Octreotide is a cyclic octapeptide that selectively binds somatostatin-receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5. Via G-protein-coupled signalling, adenylyl cyclase is inhibited, reducing the secretion of multiple hormones (growth hormone, IGF-1, glucagon, insulin, VIP, serotonin). Structural stabilisation via a disulfide bridge and D-amino acids extends the half-life relative to natural somatostatin (minutes to several hours).
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
2
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
0
Documented adverse events
2
2