HexarelinMost Potent Synthetic GH Secretagogue + CD36 Activity — Research Reference by QSC Peptides

Hexarelin (His-D-2MeTrp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys-NH₂, Examorelin) is a synthetic hexapeptide analog of GHRP-6 with a critical 2-methyl-tryptophan (D-2MeTrp) substitution at position 2. This modification increases hydrophobic binding contacts within the GHSR-1a transmembrane domain, giving Hexarelin the highest GHSR-1a binding affinity and GH release potency among synthetic hexapeptide secretagogues.

Primary mechanism: GHSR-1a binding → Gq → PLC → IP3 → Ca²⁺ → GH exocytosis + hypothalamic somatostatin suppression.

CD36 Receptor — Unique GH-Independent Activity

Hexarelin uniquely binds the CD36 scavenger receptor on cardiomyocytes and macrophages, completely independent of GHSR-1a. This secondary receptor activity drives:

• Cardiac cytoprotection via PI3K-Akt survival signaling in cardiomyocytes
• Anti-atherogenic effects via modulation of oxidized LDL uptake in macrophages
• GH-independent cardioprotective research separable from pituitary GH axis

This dual-receptor biology makes Hexarelin the only GH secretagogue with established GH-independent targets, enabling unique dissection experiments that are impossible with other compounds from QSC Peptides.