Ipamorelin is a synthetic pentapeptide growth hormone secretagogue with the amino acid sequence Aib-His-D-2Nal-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 711.85 Da. Developed through structure-activity relationship optimization, Ipamorelin selectively activates the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), also known as the ghrelin receptor. This selectivity profile has made Ipamorelin one of the most widely studied GH secretagogues in preclinical research.
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In pituitary somatotroph cell cultures, Ipamorelin stimulates growth hormone release through GHS-R1a-mediated activation of the phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate (PLC/IP3) signaling cascade, resulting in intracellular calcium mobilization and subsequent GH vesicle exocytosis. Notably, electrophysiological studies in pituitary cell preparations have demonstrated that Ipamorelin does not suppress somatostatin receptor signaling, allowing for investigation of pulsatile GH release patterns that more closely model physiological secretion dynamics.
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A defining characteristic of Ipamorelin in preclinical research is its selectivity. Comparative studies in pituitary explant models have shown that Ipamorelin produces negligible effects on ACTH, cortisol, and prolactin release at concentrations that robustly stimulate GH secretion. This selectivity profile differentiates Ipamorelin from GHRP-6 and GHRP-2, which activate multiple hormone axes in similar model systems. For researchers investigating isolated GH axis effects, this selectivity represents a significant experimental advantage.
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Additional research applications include investigation of IGF-1 axis downstream signaling, as GHS-R1a activation in cell models leads to measurable changes in IGF-1 gene expression. In bone cell culture systems, Ipamorelin-stimulated GH release models have been used to study osteoblast proliferation and differentiation markers. Metabolic research applications include adipocyte lipolysis assays and hepatocyte glucose metabolism studies examining GH-mediated metabolic effects.
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Erosyn Labs provides Ipamorelin as a lyophilized powder at ≥98% purity by HPLC, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. A full Certificate of Analysis accompanies each lot. Reconstitution in bacteriostatic water or sterile water is recommended. Store lyophilized material at -20°C and reconstituted solutions at 2–8°C for up to 30 days. Aseptic handling and single-use aliquoting are recommended.
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