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Study 5 of 9Hexarelin literaturePubMed · Observational · Preclinical2026

Hexarelin promotes the survival of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection.

Hexarelin appears to increase retinal ganglion cell survival in a rodent model after optic nerve injury, with optimal dosing at 150 μg/kg twice daily.

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this study against the rest of the hexarelin corpus
4
Preclinical
5
Observational · this one
0
Open-label
0
Randomised
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Summary and findings

This study measured the neuroprotective effect of hexarelin on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival in golden hamsters following optic nerve transection. The doses administered included 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg daily, as well as 100 μg/kg and 150 μg/kg given twice daily. The results indicated a dose-dependent increase in RGC survival rates over a 7-day period.

How much of this paper we could read: full text read (0.70). We had a clear abstract, so the summary below closely tracks the paper. What this means →
Survival rates of RGCs were 74.6% at 100 μg/kg hexarelin after 7 days ONT.Preclinical2026

Abstract

The authors’ words, as PubMed supplied them

<h4>Objective</h4>Hexarelin is a growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a agonist with a potent anti-apoptotic effect. We studied the neuroprotective effect of hexarelin on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the retina following optic nerve transection (ONT).<h4>Materials and methods</h4>Golden hamsters of 8-9 weeks old were used. For 7 days following ONT with one dose of drug, hamsters were injected with single dose of saline, 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg hexarelin daily for 5 days. For 7 days after ONT with two doses of drugs, saline, 100 μg/kg and 150 μg/kg hexarelin were injected twice daily for 5 days. Survival of RGCs was quantified by immunostaining with Tuj1 antibody in retina whole mount.<h4>Results</h4>Single daily doses of 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg hexarelin dose dependently and significantly increased the survival of RGC. The survival rates of RGC in saline, 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg hexarelin-treated hamsters were 51.2%, 62.4%, 68.5%, and 74.6%, respectively, in 7 days ONT. Two daily doses of saline, 100 μg/kg and 150 μg/kg hexarelin promoted survivals to 72.9%, 91.4%, and 109.2%, respectively, in 7 days ONT.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Single daily doses of hexarelin dose dependently increased the survival of RGC. Two daily doses of hexarelin increased RGC survival further and 150 μg/kg hexarelin twice daily is optimal for the survival of RGC.

Background

This paper addresses the neuroprotective potential of Hexarelin on retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve injury. Prior research has indicated that neuroprotective agents can mitigate cell death in various models of optic nerve damage. Understanding the mechanisms and efficacy of Hexarelin in this context is crucial for exploring its potential applications in ocular health.

Methods

Not reported in abstract.

Results

Not reported in abstract.

Interpretation

Not reported in abstract.

Key findings

  • Not reported in abstract.

Limitations

  • Rodent model, limited to animal evidence.
  • No specific numeric findings reported.
  • Potential translational limitations to human application.

Elsewhere in the Hexarelin corpus

CGHSR agonism increases blood glucose but delays food intake in GHSR hyperresponsive rats.europepmc · 2026 · n=30 · Not reported in abstract.AnimalCHexarelin promotes the survival of retinal ganglion cells after optic nerve transection.europepmc · 2026 · Survival rates of RGC in saline, 25 μg/kg, 50 μg/kg, and 100 μg/kg hexarelin-treated hamsters were 51.2%, 62.4%, 68.5%, and 74.6%, respectively, in 7 days ONT.AnimalCGrowth Hormone-Releasing Peptide-6 (GHRP-6) Ameliorates Post-Infarct Ventricular Remodeling and Systolic Dysfunction in a Model of Permanent Coronary Ligation.europepmc · 2026 · Not reported in abstract.AnimalBInvestigating the impact of COVID-19 on performance and image enhancing drug usebiorxiv-preprint · 2021 · 45% reported a change in PIED use during lockdown, n=27.HumanDSemantic Scholar search for HexarelinSemanticScholar · 2010CRevealing the interaction between peptide drugs and permeation enhancers in the presence of intestinal bile salts.PubMed · 2023 · Not reported in abstract.In vitro