Somatotrophic hormone

Somatotrophic hormone (also known as growth hormone or GH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals. It is thus important in human development. GH also stimulates the production of IGF-1 and increases the concentration of glucose and free fatty acids.

Production and regulation

The somatotrophic hormone is produced, stored, and secreted by the somatotropic cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland. The release of GH is regulated by the hypothalamus, which releases Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH) into the blood vessels leading to the pituitary gland.

Function

The primary role of somatotrophic hormone is to stimulate the liver's production of IGF-1, also known as somatomedin C. IGF-1 stimulates systemic body growth, and has growth-promoting effects on almost every cell in the body, especially skeletal muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, nerves, skin, hematopoietic, and lung cells.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the production or functioning of the somatotrophic hormone can lead to several health conditions. Overproduction of GH can lead to gigantism in children or acromegaly in adults. On the other hand, underproduction of GH can lead to dwarfism in children.

See also

• Growth hormone therapy
• Growth hormone in sports
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Growth hormone treatment for children and adolescents