The human growth hormone such as somatropin or somatotropin is a hormone polypeptide secreted by the anterior pituitary gland which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other vertebrates. Growth hormone is generally referred to as RI (English Growth Hormone) but also somatotropin (ST), in particular hormone (BST) used outside Europe, to stimulate milk production of cows.

Structure and gene molecule of human growth hormone

The majority form (75-85%) of human GH is a polypeptide of 191 amino acids (22kDa molecular weight) with two disulfide bridges. A form minority (approximately 5-10%) is a polypeptide of 176 amino acids (20 kDa) derived from the same gene that 22kDa hGH by alternative splicing of its exon 3 resulting loss of amino acids 32-46. Some of these molecules (approx. 10%) form homo-(22-22, 20-20) or heterodimers (20-22) associate covalently (disulfide bonds) or non-covalent. When GH is in the form of monomer is more effective than in the form of oligomers (but both types are present in the blood). HGH has a half-life of 20 to 30 minutes.

Functions of growth hormone

Many factors are involved in growth. The genes, the hormones, diet, rest – all these things help children grow from birth to adulthood. A key element of this process is the factor-releasing hormone or growth factor regulation of growth (GHRH or GRF). This chemical messenger is produced in one part of the brain called the hypothalamus. The GH-RF allows the pituitary ( “master gland” that intervenes in the growth process) to secrete growth hormone, which is the main hormone responsible for growth of a person. Growth is the increase in body dimensions. This phenomenon is characteristic of childhood is related to the interaction between genetic factors and environment The puberty is all physical, mental, emotional characteristic of the transition from state to state child leading to adult reproductive function. Growth hormone or somatropin or somatotropin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland which stimulates growth and cell reproduction in humans and other vertebrates.