Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) antler-stimulating hormone?
We have investigated the possibility that IGF-1 may play a role in the regulation of antler development. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations were measured throughout the first period of development of the pedicle and first antler of red deer (Cervus elaphus) to determine whether a relationship existed between growth of antler cartilage (velvet antler) and IGF-1. We report that plasma levels of IGF-1 are significantly elevated during the velvet antler growing phase relative to the other phases of pedicle and first antler development and a strong positive correlation exists between antler growth rate and circulating concentrations of IGF-1. As IGF-1 has been demonstrated to influence cartilage growth, we suggest that IGF-1 is a candidate as an antler stimulating hormone.
D000818:Animals; D000999:Antlers / Q000254:growth & development*; D002356:Cartilage / Q000254:growth & development; D003670:Deer; D006733:Horns / Q000254:growth & development*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D007328:Insulin; D010455:Peptides; D013002:Somatomedins