title: Growth hormone actions on fat distribution and metabolism.
abstract: The secretion of growth hormone (GH) and the mass and distribution of body fat are linked through a complex series of interactions. There is increasing evidence that a GH/fat cycle exists and that elements of this cycle may possess regulatory functions. The essential elements of the cycle are: (1) GH-deficient individuals are often obese and lose body fat when they are treated; GH is lipolytic in vitro and causes an acute release of free fatty acids (FFA) when administered in vivo; (3) circulating FFA inhibit the pituitary release of GH by most secretagogues, including growth hormone releasing hormone, and (4) the obese state is characterized by a defect in GH release which can be reversed by weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gertner
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000502:physiology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D013006:Growth Hormone