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GH immunolike reactivity was measured by RIA and IRMA tests in the extracts of tissues from human fetuses (8-32 weeks) and adults. For some fetal tissues a comparison was made with the T4 values obtained in a previous study. Both hormones were already measurable in peripheral tissues at 8 weeks of gestation. The increase in GH was faster than for T4 and it reached the zenith at approximately 20 weeks; thereafter, the GH concentration declined until delivery. In contrast, T4 progressively increased until term. Thirteen tissues were studied both in fetuses and in adults: the GH concentration was about 10 times higher in fetal tissues, with the exception of the brain and the pancreas. The brain showed the lowest GH concentration throughout fetal life and adulthood, whereas the highest GH levels were recorded in adults' pancreas, but they resulted to be artifacts since the RIA values were not confirmed by the IRMA test. In both groups of subjects the highest GH concentrations were found in kidneys, liver and small intestine; the lowest, beyond the brain, in red muscle and cartilage. Thus, the pattern of the quantitative distribution of GH in fetal tissues is the same as in adults, suggesting a functional role of the hormone in the developing human during the prenatal period, in contrast with the concept that high tissue levels of GH are a mere reflection of high GH blood levels. Moreover, in all tissues examined no correlation was found between GH and T4 concentration.

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No abstract

The 24-hour pattern of prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone (GH) secretion, and the diurnal variations of plasma catecholamine levels, were tested in a sample of DSM III schizophrenics and in a control population of patients hospitalized in the same ward and diagnosed as suffering from neurotic disorders. All subjects were acclimated to the ward and kept free from any drug for at least 2 weeks. No difference between schizophrenics and controls was observed with respect to the 24-hour profile of plasma prolactin and cortisol levels. The nocturnal peak of GH secretion was absent in 10 out of the 23 schizophrenics. These patients did not differ from the other schizophrenics with respect to the mean scores on any item of the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. The mean plasma noradrenaline levels were significantly higher in schizophrenics than in controls during the wake period, but not during the sleep hours. A consistent decrease of the amine levels during the sleep period was observed in both groups. Since the nocturnal surge of plasma GH concentration has been associated with slow-wave sleep, which has been reported to be reduced in schizophrenic patients, the possibility is considered that this abnormality of sleep pattern can explain the alteration of GH release in schizophrenics. On the other hand, findings concerning plasma noradrenaline are interpreted as an indication that the state of increased autonomic arousal of schizophrenic patients is closely linked to daytime social interaction.