GROWTH HORMONE OR SOMATOTROPHIC HORMONE (GH or STH):::
It is secreted by acidophil cells of anterior pituitary gland and is proteinous in nature The main function of growth hormone is to increase the body growth in general It stimulates the multiplication of epiphyseal cartilage and thus increases the length of the cartilage Growth of skeletal muscles and thymus gland is also stimulated it increases the secretion of milk during lactation
Besides the general effect on growth of the body GH also produces its effects on metabolism
Protein metabolism ::GH increases nucleic acid and protein synthesis decreases nitrogen excretion in the urine and causes retention of nitrogen in other words GH produces anabolic effects These effects of growth hormone are brought about through insulin
Fat metabolism :: GH causes mobilization of peripheral depot of fat to the liver The free fatty acid level in plasma rises and the oxidation of fat is increased by GH This provides more energy for the utilization of aminoacids in the protein synthesis
Carbohydrate metabolism :: GH produces increase in blood sugar level This leads to over production of insulin which finally may get exhausted resulting in the status of diabetes mellitus
Ion and mineral metabolism :: GH increases intestinal absorption of calcium as well as its excretion It also causes retention of sodium potassium magnesium phosphate and chloride
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