Metabolic Status and Growth Hormone Secretion in Man

Abstract

The metabolic state influences GH secretion and, in turn, GH secretion influences overall body metabolism. While these are distinct physiological entities, separation of these interrelated phenomena should be considered artificial since the overall result is an organism which retains functional capacity in the setting of a variety of circumstances.

The sequential administration of growth hormone‐releasing hormone followed 120 minutes later by hexarelin, as an effective test to assess the pituitary GH reserve in man

“…There are no pathognomonic clinical features of GH deficiency, and the diagnosis of this pathological state is based on auxological data plus biochemical tests. Despite the considerable clinical and experimental work devoted to the understanding of the normal and altered regulation of GH secretion (Dieguez et al, 1988;Casanueva, 1992;Vance, 1993), the diagnosis of GH deficiency continues to be a controversial area (Rosenfeld et al, 1995).…”

11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1‐driven cortisone reactivation regulates plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 in adipose tissue of obese women

“…Indeed, growth hormone (GH), IGF‐1, and cytokines are known to affect both 11β‐HSD‐1 [44] and PAI‐1 expression [19]. Obese patients have decreased GH secretion [45]. Interestingly, it is known that administration of daily GH to hypopituitary patients results in lower ratios of cortisol/cortisone metabolites, consistent with inhibition of 11β‐HSD‐1 [46], possibly mediated through IGF‐1 [44], and a decrease in PAI‐1 activity and PAI‐1 antigen [47].…”

The use of the hypoglycaemic clamp in the assessment of pituitary function

“…Using the clamp technique, we did not find significant differences in peak ACTH and cortisol between the young and old control subjects. In agreement with previous studies (Vance, 1993), peak GH secretory response in old control subjects was lower than in young controls. This difference may be a reflection of the decline in pituitary GH secretion with the ageing process or may be secondary to increased adiposity, as evidenced by a higher BMI in the old controls (Dieguez & Casanueva, 1995; Toogood et al ., 1996).…”