Three-peptide control of pulsatile and entropic feedback-sensitive modes of growth hormone secretion: modulation by estrogen and aromatizable androgen

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2003 May:16 Suppl 3:587-605.

Abstract

The present review highlights a simplified perspective of growth hormone (GH) secretory control, which incorporates the individual and joint effects of final-common signals that converge on somatotrope cells. Critical peptidyl effectors are GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GH-releasing peptide (GHRP, ghrelin), and somatostatin. The latter three-peptide ensemble mediates stimulation, inhibition, and feedback suppression of GH secretion via homologous and heterologous interactions. Pubertal sex steroids putatively act via post-aromatized estrogen (e.g., testosterone converted to estradiol by aromatase) to augment sensitivity to GHRH, potentiate GHRP action, and mute somatostatin restraint. The dynamic interactions in this three-peptide network, rather than the activity of any single effector, subserve core adaptations in GH secretion across development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Androgens / pharmacokinetics*
  • Animals
  • Aromatase / metabolism
  • Entropy*
  • Estrogens / metabolism
  • Estrogens / pharmacokinetics*
  • Feedback, Physiological*
  • Ghrelin
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / pharmacokinetics
  • Human Growth Hormone / drug effects*
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Peptide Hormones / metabolism
  • Peptide Hormones / pharmacokinetics
  • Pulsatile Flow / physiology*
  • Somatostatin / administration & dosage
  • Somatostatin / metabolism
  • Somatostatin / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Estrogens
  • Ghrelin
  • Peptide Hormones
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Somatostatin
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
  • Aromatase