Basic introduction to human growth hormone

Human growth hormone is a protein secreted by cells of the adenohypophysis. Under normal circumstances, growth hormone is secreted in a pulsatile manner, and its secretion is regulated by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) produced by the hypothalamus, and is also affected by gender, age, and circadian rhythm. The main physiological function of growth hormone is to promote the growth of all other tissues except nerve tissue; promote body anabolism and protein synthesis; promote fat decomposition; antagonize insulin; inhibit glucose utilization and increase blood sugar. Serum growth hormone measurement is helpful in the diagnosis of gigantism, acromegaly, and growth hormone deficiency caused by hereditary growth hormone production defects.