GROWTH HORMONE, HUMAN

Originator

Somatotrope,Choay,France,1951

The Uses of GROWTH HORMONE, HUMAN

Somatotropin (STH) has been used to study its effects on repressing hepatic H2S production post-transcriptionally. It has also been used as one of the components of a medium to culture primordial follicles.

Definition

Hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary. It causes an increase in general body growth and also affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Manufacturing Process

It has been found that the growth hormone can be obtained in crystalline form from human pituitary glands by procedures comprising (1) extraction of the fresh glands with acetone, (2) extraction of the acetone residue with aqueous salt solutions, (3) precipitation from aqueous salt solutions by the addition of suitable miscible organic solvents of alkaline and acid pH, and finally crystallization from aqueous salt solutions by the addition of suitable miscible organic solvents.

Therapeutic Function

Growth stimulant

General Description

Somatotropin or growth hormone is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It is essential for growth. The hormone increases muscle mass, reduces fat mass, helps in maintaining normal blood glucose levels and also promotes a balanced lipid profile.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Increases mass of most tissues by increasing cell number rather than cell size, mobilizes fat stores

Side Effects

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Increased insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Swelling in the arms and legs (edema)
• Joint and muscle pain
• For men, enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Increased risk of certain cancers