Growth Hormone (HGH) | Laboratory research

hGH (somatotropin) It is essential for the growth process, while in adults it plays an important role in the process of metabolism. It is synthesized in the acidophilic cells of the anterior pituitary gland, and its secretion from the granules of the intracellular deposit is regulated by the release of hypothalamic hormones - GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) and release of SRIF (somatotropin); Their synthesis depends on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and growth hormone-releasing peptides. It is also excreted in response to exercise, stress, deep sleep, hypoglycemia, glucagon, insulin, thyroid hormones, estrogens, testosterone, and vasopressin.

hGH stimulates RNA production, protein synthesis, mobilization of fatty acids from depots, and has short-acting insulin antagonistic action. Prolonged elevated levels may lead to decreased glucose tolerance.

If the pituitary gland, at different stages, produces insufficient or excessive growth hormone it will lead to dwarfism and gigantism respectively. Excess amounts of growth hormone in adults will lead to acromegaly.

The test is useful for confirming hypo- or hyperpituitarism, which allows for timely initiation of appropriate therapy.

Hormone determination can be performed under both basal and stimulation conditions (physical activity, arginine, glucagon, or insulin) or inhibition (after 100 g of glucose uptake).

Lack of response or inadequate response to stimulation tests is associated with hypopituitarism.

In the case of gigantism or acromegaly, there is a lack of inhibition or incomplete inhibition after glucose uptake. Moreover, in patients with acromegaly, a paradoxical increase in hGH may be noted on the inhibition test.

When should we take a test for growth hormone?

hGH (somatotropin) - Marker of somatotropic function of the pituitary gland.

• Delayed or accelerated growth;
• Osteoporosis;
• Muscle weakness;
• Hair growth disorders;
• Tendency to hypoglycemia (including when consuming alcohol);
• Hyperglycemia;
• Excessive sweating;
• Porphyria

How to prepare for the test?

3 days before the analysis, exclude physical activity. The patient needs to rest for 30 minutes before taking blood.

Research material

Venous blood

Possible interpretation of the results

Increase in somatotropin levels:

• Acromegaly and gigantism;
• Hunger, stress, alcoholism;
• Chronic renal failure;
• Posttraumatic and postoperative conditions;
• Porphyria, hyperglycemia;
• Ectopic secretion (tumors of the stomach, pancreas, parathyroid glands, lungs);
• Hyperpituitarism;
• Laron's dwarf;
• Physical activity.

Decreased somatotropin levels:

• Pituitary dwarfism (dwarfism);
• Hypercorticism;
• Hypopituitarism;
• Itzenko-Cushing syndrome;
• Lack of sleep;
• Iatrogenic effects: X-ray therapy, chemotherapy, surgery;
• Factors causing hyperglycemia;
• Obesity;
• Fetal anencephaly