A new medication increases the production of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH). What effects would this have on the secretion of growth hormone (GH)? Would you expect these effects to differ in a child versus an adult?
GHRH is a peptide hormone found in hypothalamus, and its secretion increases in any physical or emotional stress. It is released in a pulsatile manner, thereby releasing Growth hormone in pulsatile manner too. Growth hormone, in turn is required for post natal growth, bone growth, and for metabolism.
In children, it is used to accelerate growth rate if growth is stunted (in GH deficiency or hypopituitarism)
In adults, it is used to enhance lipogenesis, especially in cases of lipodystrophy in HIV patients, as it increases lipid metabolism. It is also known to increase cognitive functions in elderly patients. It may also increase bone density. Interestingly, these are also used for body-building purposes.
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