The molecular structure of the GH receptor has recently been characterized and the receptor identified as a member of a new receptor superfamily that includes the prolactin receptor and several cytokine receptors. No obvious signal transducing domain has been identified on any of these related receptors. One possible signalling mechanism involves receptor interaction with other membrane-associated proteins that function as mediators of signal transduction. Whether such a mechanism is involved in signal transduction of the GH receptor is not known. Another common feature of these receptors is the presence of soluble forms such as the GHBP. The functions of these proteins in the circulation and at the level of the target cell remain to be resolved.