A substance that is produced by the pituitary gland and which stimulates normal body growth and development. Growth hormone stimulates the production of protein in muscle cells and the release of energy from the breakdown of fats. Oversecretion of growth hormone results in gigantism if it occurs before puberty or acromegaly if it occurs after. Synthetic growth hormone given by injection may be used to treat short stature when the cause is a pituitary disorder or a genetic disorder.
Growth hormone |
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