Hypoglycemia: a potent stimulus to secretion of growth hormone

Science. 1963 May 31;140(3570):987-8. doi: 10.1126/science.140.3570.987.

Abstract

In normal subjects, hypoglycemia produces an abrupt and sustained rise in levels of human growth hormone in plasma. This effect is independent of insulin, glucagon, or epinephrine. Prolonged fasting is accompanied by a rise in the hormone level in plasma. Measurement of this hormone after induced hypoglycemia is a specific test for pituitary somatotropic function.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Glucose*
  • Epinephrine*
  • Fasting*
  • Glucagon*
  • Growth Hormone*
  • Human Growth Hormone*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia*
  • Insulin*
  • Pancreatic Diseases*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Growth Hormone
  • Glucagon
  • Epinephrine