GH Peptide Stack: CJC-1295 No-DAC + Ipamorelin Research Protocol
The CJC-1295 No-DAC + Ipamorelin combination is the most studied GHRH/GHRP stack. GHRH analogues (CJC-1295) increase GH pulse amplitude; GHRPs (ipamorelin) increase GH pulse frequency and act synergistically at a distinct receptor (GHSR1a). The combination produces 3-10× greater GH release than either compound alone — making it the reference stack for GH axis research.
CJC-1295 No-DAC + Ipamorelin combination ± GHRH receptor antagonist (GHRH-Ant) ± GHSR1a antagonist (D-Lys-3-GHRP-6). 2×2 factorial design to isolate GHRH vs GHRP receptor contributions to the combined GH response.
4. Body composition / anabolic endpoints
12-week study in aged rats: CJC-1295 No-DAC + Ipamorelin SC daily. Primary: fat mass (EchoMRI), lean mass, IGF-1. Secondary: muscle cross-sectional area (H&E), collagen content, bone mineral density (DEXA), liver IGF-1 expression.
Why this combination?
CJC-1295 No-DAC activates GHRH receptors on somatotrophs — increasing cAMP → GH synthesis and pulse amplitude. Ipamorelin activates GHSR1a (ghrelin receptor) — increasing intracellular Ca²⁺ → GH exocytosis frequency and amplitude. These are two independent intracellular pathways. When combined, the cAMP (GHRH) and Ca²⁺ (GHRP) signals summate — producing synergistic GH release greater than additive. This is the primary rationale for the GHRH/GHRP combination approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why combine CJC-1295 and ipamorelin instead of using one compound?
Because they act on different receptors through different intracellular pathways. CJC-1295 uses GHRH receptor/cAMP; ipamorelin uses GHSR1a/Ca²⁺. The combination is synergistic (3-10× greater GH than either alone), not merely additive. You cannot achieve the same GH response with a higher dose of either compound alone.
Why is ipamorelin preferred over GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 in this stack?
Ipamorelin produces equivalent or near-equivalent GH release with minimal cortisol, prolactin, or appetite effects. GHRP-2 and GHRP-6 produce significant cortisol increase — a confound in most GH axis research. For clean GH studies, ipamorelin is the standard GHRP.
What body composition endpoints are most relevant for GH stack research?
Primary: fat mass (EchoMRI), lean mass (EchoMRI), serum IGF-1. Secondary: muscle fibre cross-sectional area, bone mineral density (DEXA), liver IGF-1 mRNA. In aged models, these endpoints typically show statistically significant changes within 8-12 weeks.
