growth hormone

Introduction

growth hormone or somatotropinsōmăt˝ətrō´pən [key], glycoprotein hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland that is necessary for normal skeletal growth in humans (see protein). Evidence suggests that the secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) is regulated by the release of certain peptides by the hypothalamus of the brain. One such substance, called somatostatin, has been shown to inhibit the secretion of HGH. HGH is known to act upon many aspects of cellular metabolism, but its most obvious effect is the stimulation of the growth of cartilage and bone in children.

See also auxins (plant growth hormones).

Sections in this article:

Introduction
Role in Dwarfism and Gigantism
Other Medical Uses

See more Encyclopedia articles on: Biochemistry