It has been ten years since the National Hormone and Pituitary Program (then called the National Pituitary Agency) sponsored a symposium on human growth hormone (hGH). Numerous advances have occurred during this period. This book does not attempt to summarize past achievements. Rather, it deals with the contemporary issues in hGH research. A discussion of the present state of the art, of necessity, includes a review of the past. Some of the topics herein discussed include the following: 1. Growth hormone releasing factor (GRF). In 1973, the growth hormone inhibitory factor (somatostatin) had recently been discovered. The search for a releasing factor in humans led to its discovery not in the pituitary but in a pancreatic tumor that secreted growth hormone. The advances are discussed in this book. The current hope is that GRF will eventually become an effective therapeutic agent for idiopathic hypopituitarism in childhood and adolescence. 2. Biosynthesis of hGR by recombinant DNA technology. Current advances are discussed. Although hGH is not yet an approved drug, it will eventually become one. This will broaden our horizons in terms of hGH effectiveness in disorders other than hypopituitary dwarfism. The current experience with this type of hGH in both the Vnited States and Europe is reviewed by several authors.

It has been known for over 40 years that GH-deficient-children benefit from replacement with the hormone. But GH, essential for longitudinal growth, also plays a role after completion of final height. With the introduction of biosynthetic human GH 20 years ago, the use of GH was no longer restricted to severe growth retardation in hypopituitary children. This book will take the reader behind the myths of GH and into the real world of clinical endocrinology. The contributions stem from recognized clinicians and scientists who have been working in the field for decades. The contents encompass traditional end points of GH therapy such as body composition, bone biology and physical performance. Attention is also devoted to diagnostic aspects and side effects. Additional features range from clinical epidemiology to quality of life, and novel areas such as the impact of traumatic brain injury on pituitary function are also covered. The present volume of Frontiers of Hormone Research is essential reading for health care professionals interested in clinical endocrinology and GH.

Human Growth Hormone is a compendium of papers that discusses all aspects of human growth hormone (HGH) relevant in the treatment of dwarfs who are HGH deficient. This book discusses the approach of growth hormone treatment including the preparation of the hormone, its effect and interactions with other hormones, the methods used to detect growth hormone in human plasma, as well as its clinical applications. One author discusses the preparation of human growth hormone, its storage, method of bioassay, and procedures for ampouling HGH for clinical use. A couple of authors review the metabolic a ...

This revised new edition reviews the substantial advances in our understanding of the vital role of growth hormone (GH) in maintaining adult health, and the resulting disorders from GH deficiency. The first edition, published in 1996, provided a pioneering overview of the subject; this new edition provides an even more comprehensive account, fully updated with the latest research, clinical applications, and references. The therapeutic benefits of GH treatment in GH deficiency are thoroughly evaluated, including effects on metabolism, cardiac function, exercise performance, psychosocial aspects, and aging and gender-specific effects. This compilation by the world's leading experts covers clinical investigation, diagnosis and treatment issues, and encompasses new knowledge of the control and action of GH secretion. This volume is the most authoritative, comprehensive, and detailed account available and will be an essential source of reference for all endocrinologists.

Human Growth Hormone is a compendium of papers that discusses all aspects of human growth hormone (HGH) relevant in the treatment of dwarfs who are HGH deficient. This book discusses the approach of growth hormone treatment including the preparation of the hormone, its effect and interactions with other hormones, the methods used to detect growth hormone in human plasma, as well as its clinical applications. One author discusses the preparation of human growth hormone, its storage, method of bioassay, and procedures for ampouling HGH for clinical use. A couple of authors review the metabolic actions of HGH, namely, on the anabolic and skeletal systems, on carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and miscellaneous effects (renotropic, aldosterone, haematopoietic). One paper evaluates the treatment of dwarfism with HGH, and reports that in cases of HGH deficiency, the use of such treatment can be effective as long as the growth potential of the patient remains, and antibodies do not interfere with the treatment. The compendium can prove helpful for endocrinologists, genetic scientists, cellular microbiologists, and scientists involved in pharmacology and developmental anatomy.

The 19th ESACT meeting was to highlight the novel capabilities of the industry to move the products towards the clinic. It was attended by a wide range of workers in the industry and for many it was their first ESACT meeting. The proceedings here include the short papers adding the knowledge of the previous meetings and provide a reference for the researcher entering, or continuing in the field of Animal Cell Technology.