Growth hormone, also known as somatotropin, is a protein hormone of about 190 amino acids that is synthesized and secreted by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary.
It is a major participant in control of several complex physiologic processes, including growth and metabolism.
Growth hormone is also of considerable interest as a drug used in both humans and animals.
Growth hormone activity has two distinct types of effects: Direct effects are the result of growth hormone binding its receptor on target cells.
Fat cells (adipocytes), for example, have growth hormone receptors, and growth hormone stimulates them to break down triglyceride and supresses their ability to take up and accumulate circulating lipids.
Indirect effects are mediated primarily by a insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a hormone that is secreted from the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone.
A majority of the growth promoting effects of growth hormone is actually due to IGF-1 acting on its target cells.
Growth is a very complex process.
It requires the coordinated action of several hormones.
The major role of growth hormone in stimulating body growth is to stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete IGF-1.
IGF-1 stimulates proliferation of chondrocytes (cartilage cells), resulting in bone growth.
Growth hormone does seem to have a direct effect on bone growth in stimulating differentiation of chondrocytes.
IGF-1 also appears to be the key player in muscle growth.
It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of myoblasts.
It stimulates amino acid uptake and protein synthesis in muscle and other tissues.
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA.
Other applications not tested.
Titer:~65,000 tests/ml
Recommended Dilutions:Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only.
Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Store at -20°C.
Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt.
For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
