Abstract
The present review highlights a simplified perspective of growth hormone (GH) secretory control, which incorporates the individual and joint effects of final-common signals that converge on somatotrope cells. Critical peptidyl effectors are GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GH-releasing peptide (GHRP, ghrelin), and somatostatin. The latter three-peptide ensemble mediates stimulation, inhibition, and feedback suppression of GH secretion via homologous and heterologous interactions. Pubertal sex steroids putatively act via post-aromatized estrogen (e.g., testosterone converted to estradiol by aromatase) to augment sensitivity to GHRH, potentiate GHRP action, and mute somatostatin restraint. The dynamic interactions in this three-peptide network, rather than the activity of any single effector, subserve core adaptations in GH secretion across development.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 587-605 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 3 |
State | Published - 2003 |
Keywords
- Adolescence
- Androgen
- Estrogen
- IGF-I
- Pituitary
- Puberty
- Secretion feedback
- Sex steroids
- Somatotrope
- Testosterone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology