growth hormone / somatotropin

see also:

• hormones

• a single chain polypeptide hormone secreted by somatotropic cells within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland
• secretion is modulated by a wide variety of mechanisms including inhibition by somatostatin
• prolonged excessive secretion causes acromegaly
  • in addition, excessive levels increases glycation stresses on the liver causing increased liver aging¹⁾
• see also wikipedia

• its main actions are:
  • anabolic
    • increasing height in children and adolescents
    • stimulates the growth of all internal organs excluding the brain
    • increases muscle mass through sarcomere hypertrophy
    • increases protein synthesis
    • increases calcium retention, and strengthens and increases the mineralization of bone
    • promotes energy availability:
      • promotes lipolysis
      • promotes gluconeogenesis in the liver and reduces hepatic glucose uptake
  • stimulates the immune system