HGH (10 IU)

HGH, also known as somatropin, is a recombinant (laboratory-produced) version of human growth hormone. It is a relatively large protein consisting of 191 amino acids, which sets it apart from the much smaller peptides in the range.

Mechanism of action under investigation

Growth hormone is naturally secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is being studied in research in relation to growth, metabolism and tissue regeneration. Many of the effects of growth hormone occur indirectly via IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), which is produced in response to growth hormone. This chain of events — growth hormone triggering the production of IGF-1 — is a classic topic in endocrine research.

This description relates to the mechanism of action as studied in research and does not constitute evidence of efficacy or safety in humans.

An important point for researchers is the distinction between growth hormone itself and the molecules that stimulate its own release. Growth hormone is exogenous — added from outside the body — whilst secretagogues stimulate the pituitary gland to produce it naturally. This distinction has a significant impact on how an experiment is designed and interpreted.

Growth hormone is one of the most widely studied hormones in endocrinology. As it has both direct and indirect (via IGF-1) effects, it is an important point of reference in research into growth and metabolism.

• Research focus: the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis.
• Research focus: role in metabolism and body composition (preclinical).
• Research focus: comparison with secretagogues that stimulate the body’s own secretion.

Status and context

Somatropin is regulated elsewhere as a medicinal product, but is offered here exclusively as research material — not as a medicinal product and not for consumption. In the context of sport, growth hormone is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List. Researchers wishing to study the body’s own natural release of growth hormone often turn to secretagogues such as Ipamorelin rather than exogenous growth hormone.

As growth hormone acts both directly and via IGF-1, it is difficult to attribute effects to a single pathway. Researchers take this into account by carrying out careful checks and documenting the purity and origin of the material for each batch.

HGH is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the laboratory using bacteriostatic water. The steps below describe only the laboratory procedures for research purposes.

1. 1Allow the vial and the bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature.
2. 2Wipe the rubber stoppers of both vials with an alcohol wipe.
3. 3Allow the bacteriostatic water to run slowly down the side of the vial; do not direct it straight onto the powder.
4. 4Gently swirl the vial until everything has dissolved; do not shake.
5. 5Store the solution in the fridge and label it with the date and batch number.

You can find supplies such as bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes and alcohol wipes under ‘Lab & Accessories’. This is a laboratory instruction and does not constitute dosage advice for consumption.

Working with units (IU)

Growth hormone is expressed in international units (IU) rather than in milligrams. Bear this in mind when calculating concentrations, and record the calculation for each experiment to ensure that results remain comparable across sessions. Growth hormone is a sensitive protein; handle with care and avoid shaking.

Store HGH in a cool, dark place; as a protein hormone, it is sensitive to heat and movement.

Practical storage tips

• Powder form: fridge (2–8 °C); for longer-term storage, the freezer (-20 °C).
• After reconstitution: always store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use as soon as possible.
• Do not shake and do not expose to heat or direct light.
• Write the reconstitution date and batch number on the vial.

Stable, cold storage is essential for protein hormones in order to preserve the integrity of the research material.

Check the solution for clarity before use; cloudiness or flocculation may indicate that the protein has deteriorated.