17.7d Growth Hormone: Its Regulation and Effects

Growth Hormone (GH)

Hormone released by anterior pituitary gland.

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH)

Stimulates GH release from anterior pituitary.

Hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system

Blood vessel system connecting hypothalamus and pituitary.

Somatotropic cells

Cells in anterior pituitary that produce GH.

Insulin-like Growth Factors (IGFs)

Produced by liver in response to GH.

Negative feedback

Regulatory mechanism reducing hormone release.

Growth Hormone-Inhibiting Hormone (GHIH)

Inhibits release of GH from anterior pituitary.

Growth Hormone Deficiency

Condition leading to pituitary dwarfism in children.

Pituitary Dwarfism

Short stature due to inadequate GH production.

Pituitary Gigantism

Excess GH in childhood before epiphyseal fusion.

Pituitary Adenoma

Benign tumor causing excess GH secretion.

Acromegaly

Excess GH in adults after epiphyseal closure.

Hypoglycemia

Low glucose levels stimulating GH release.

Age Influence

GH levels decrease progressively with aging.

Daily Fluctuations

GH release varies throughout the day.

Stress Response

Emotional and physical stress increase GH release.

Growth Hormone Treatment

Injections to improve GH deficiency effects.