The Tenth hGH Symposium
Seville, April 23-24, 1999
Editors: M.B. Ranke, Tübingen; J.S. Christiansen, Aarhus

GH-Releasing Substances

Growth Hormone Secretagogues: The Clinical Future
Dragan Micic^a, Xesus Casabiell^b, Oreste Gualillo^c, Manuel Pombo^d, Carlos Dieguez^b, Felipe F. Casanueva<sup>c

a</sup>Institute of Endocrinology, Belgrade, Yugoslavia, andDepartments of
^bPhysiology,
^cMedicine, Endocrine Section, and
^dPediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, and Complejo Hospitalario, University of Santiago, Spain

Address of Corresponding Author

Horm Res 1999;51:29-33 (DOI: 10.1159/000053159)

  Key Words

• Growth hormone secretagogues
• Growth hormone releasing peptide-6
• Growth hormone, therapeutic, diagnostic

  Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) releasing hexapeptide (GHRP)-6 and other peptidergic and non-peptidergic compounds collectively designated GH secretagogues (GHS) are potent releasers of GH in man. Their clinical future may be envisioned in three areas: therapy of GH-deficient (GHD) states, diagnosis of GHD, and non-endocrinological actions. As therapeutic agents and compared with GH itself, GHS have the disadvantage of lower potency but have a more physiological and safer profile of GH secretion. GHS administration could be indicated for states in which medium GH doses have been shown to be effective. As a diagnostic tool, the combined administration of GH releasing hormone plus GHRP-6, both at saturating doses, is currently the most powerful releaser of GH, devoid of side effects and convenient for the patient; it may also be an alternative to the insulin tolerance test for the diagnosis of GHD in adult patients. Their potential action at cardiovascular level is highly promising. Although the clinical future of GH releasing substances is appealing, probably the most relevant contribution has yet to be discovered. Once the endogenous ligand of the GHS receptor is identified, we will have an insight into the real hypothalamic control of GH secretion in man. With this knowledge it is likely that some diagnostic and therapeutic actions that are commonly undertaken will significantly change.

Copyright © 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. Felipe F. Casanueva
Santiago de Compostela University, Endocrine Division
Department of Medicine, Calle san Francisco
E-15780 Santiago de Compostela (Spain)
Tel. +34 981 57 2121

  Article Information

Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 1, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 34