ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the main functions of growth hormone (GH). It describes briefly where GH is synthesised and how GH release is controlled. The chapter explores the main consequences of GH deficiency in adults and children, excess GH, and the treatments. Growth factors are proteins that activate cellular proliferation and/or cellular differentiation. GH is synthesised in anterior pituitary somatotroph cells, and is a singlechain 191-amino acid polypeptide. GH deficiency is generally caused by hypothalamic-pituitary disorders. In children this causes failure to grow; in adults it causes abnormal metabolism with subsequent imbalances of fat, muscle and bone metabolism. Psychological disturbances include anxiety, mood depression and withdrawal from society. Treatment of GH deficiency in children is regular treatment with GH until growth is complete. GH excess is usually the result of a pituitary adenoma and results in gigantism in children and acromegaly in adults.
