Somatotropin (Growth hormone)
Source of secretion:
GH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and these hormones are also called as somatotropes.
Chemistry:
GH is protein in nature having single polypeptide with 191 amino acids. The molecular weight is about 21500.
Metabolic roles:
- Effect on protein metabolism:
- GH accelerates the synthesis of proteins by increasing the amino acid transport inside the cells and increases the translation.
- GH also decreases the catabolism of the proteins.
- Effect on fat metabolism:
- GH makes fatty acids available for the energy.
- Effect on carbohydrate metabolism:
- GH increases the blood glucose level by decreasing the utilization of glucose by the tissues.
- Effect on bones:
- GH helps in development and differentiation of bone cells. And ultimately helps in increasing the bone length and thickness.
- GH doesn’t directly act on bone but activates the synthesis of somatomedin from liver.