Rhythmic growth hormone secretion in physiological and pathological conditions: Lessons from rodent studies

Publication date: Available online 6 September 2019Source: Molecular and Cellular EndocrinologyAuthor(s): Lili Huang, Zhengxiang Huang, Chen ChenAbstractEvolutionally conserved in all mammalians, the release of GH occurs in a rhythmic pattern, characterized by several dominant surges (pulsatile GH) with tonic low inter-pulse levels (tonic GH). Such pulsatile secretion pattern is essential for many physiological actions of GH on different tissues with defined gender dimorphism. Rhythmic release of pulsatile GH is tightly controlled by hypothalamic neurons as well as peripheral metabolic factors. Changes of GH pattern occurs within a range of sophisticated physiological and pathological settings and significantly contributes to growth, ageing, survival and disease predispositions. Precise analysis of GH secretion pattern is vitally important for a comprehensive understanding of the function of GH and the components that regulate GH secretion pattern.
Source: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology - Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research