MOD GRF (1-29) acts as an agonist of the GHRH receptor (GHRHR) in the anterior pituitary gland.
- Receptor binding: It specifically binds to GHRHR on somatotroph cells, activating the adenylate cyclase signaling pathway and increasing intracellular cAMP levels.
- GH release: The rise in cAMP triggers exocytosis of GH granules, resulting in a pulse of GH release into the systemic circulation.
- Somatostatin regulation: GH release is modulated by hypothalamic somatostatin, which inhibits secretion; MOD GRF (1-29) partially counteracts this inhibition.
- Effect on IGF-1: The released GH stimulates hepatic production of IGF-1, which mediates many anabolic and tissue growth effects.
- Enhanced stability: Amino acid substitutions protect the peptide from degradation by enzymes such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), prolonging its action.