Natural and Synthetic Growth Hormone Secretagogues.

Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) are a family of synthetic molecules endowed with potent stimulatory effect on somatotrope secretion, binding specific GHS receptors. In 1999 Kojima et al. discovered the first natural GHSs, ghrelin, predominantly produced by the stomach. However, ghrelin is much more than a natural GHS: it modulates corticotroph and lactotroph, secretion and influences gonadal function. It exerts a multiplicity of biological actions regulating energy homeostasis, pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function, modulating cardiovascular function, cell proliferation and survival. The aim of this chapter is to review the most important biological actions of GHSs and ghrelin and their relapse on clinical field.