Hexarelin (HEX) is a peptide GH secretagogue with a potent ability to stimulate GH secretion and recently reported cardioprotective actions. However, hexarelin (HEX) effects in the brain are largely unknown, and the aim of the present study was to examine the potential protective effect of hexarelin (HEX) on the central nervous system after injury, as well as on caspase-3, Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling cascades in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.