Growth Hormone

Growth hormone is used in the treatment of growth hormone deficiency and has indication in AIDS related wasting syndrome.  

Growth hormones act both directly to stimulate growth and indirectly by inducing production of other growth factors including insulin-like growth factor 1.

Class Drugs

• Somatotropin

Class Mechanism of Action

Somatotropin is a naturally occurring hormone released by the pituitary that stimulates growth directly and via induction of other growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor 1 and 2.

• Binds growth hormone receptor and activates Jak2 (a tyrosine kinase) by forming a homodimer between 2 receptors.

• Direct growth hormone effects include increased lipolysis, increased glucose output from liver, induction of other growth factors, renal reabsorption of potassium and sodium.

• Indirect growth hormone effects include stimulation of bone growth, DNA/RNA synthesis, and generalized growth.

Class Applications

Growth hormone deficiency

AIDS related wasting syndrome

Class Adverse Effects

Myalgias

Arthralgias

Edema

Increased risk of diabetes

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Growth Hormone			"Growth Chart"