The invention provides synthetic peptides which are extremely potent in stimulating the release of pituitary GH in mammals and which have the formula: H-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu- Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Arg-As n-Gln-Glu-Gln-Gly-Ala-Arg-Val-Arg-Leu-Y wherein Y is OH or NH2. These peptides or biologically active fragments thereof, or analogs thereof having well-known substitutions and, or additions, as well as nontoxic salts of any of the foregoing, may be administered therapeutically to mammals, including humans, and may be used diagnostically. The peptides are useful in stimulating the release of GH and accelerating growth in warm-blooded non-human animals, particularly pigs, and in improving aquiculture.
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