Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone

As the name suggests, Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (abbreviated as GHRH) is a releasing factor for the Growth Hormone (GH). It won't be wrong to say that the production and release of human growth hormone is directly influenced by this neurohormone. It is also known by different names, like somatocrinin and Growth Hormone Releasing Factor (GHRF). Comprising 44 amino acids in total, the amino acid sequence of this peptide hormone is studied in detail.

Origin of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone

According to research studies, the growth hormone releasing hormone is secreted as early as when a fetus turns 18-29 weeks after gestation. This probable duration coincides with the initiation of growth hormone secretion by the developing fetus. Coming to the production of growth hormone releasing hormone, it is secreted by the hypothalamus in its arcuate nucleus. This particular site houses a population of important neurons in an aggregated form. The nerve terminals of the arcuate nucleus are responsible for production of growth hormone releasing hormone.

Function of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone

The primary function of growth hormone releasing hormone is to control the production or release of growth hormone in the body. After secretion by the arcuate nucleus, the GHRH is circulated to the pituitary gland (anterior portion), wherein it binds to the Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptors (GHRHR). The stimulation of this G-protein coupled receptor brings about activation of certain proteins. Following this, growth hormone synthesis takes place in the anterior pituitary gland. The release of GHRH is increased with responses of emotional and physical stress.

The effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone are counteracted by none other than the growth hormone inhibiting hormone. Secreted by the somatostatin neurons of the hypothalamus, this neurohormone is also known as somatostatin. It is carried to the anterior part of the pituitary gland, where it inhibits the synthesis of growth hormone. It is because of the effects of growth hormone releasing hormone and somatostatin that the production of growth hormone occurs in a pulsatile manner.

Therapeutic Use of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone

When it comes to the medical uses of growth hormone releasing hormone, administering this hypothalamic peptide is claimed to be an effective alternative in reducing abdominal fat in overweight people. Medical studies concentrated on the hormonal levels of people with abdominal obesity found that they have reduced levels of growth hormone. Health experts are of the opinion that delivering GHRH in such people will help in elevating GH concentration to normal levels. Ultimately, it will help in burning fats accumulated in the abdominal area.

It is to be borne in mind that the therapeutic intervention of growth hormone releasing hormone in reducing abdominal fat is not practically implemented as yet. However, if it really works in the purported manner, it will be a breakthrough in medical science. Reducing abdominal fat helps in minimizing the risk of obesity related medical complications, like heart diseases, hypertension and cardiovascular problems. In another application, a growth hormone stimulation test is conducted with the help of GHRH. The stimulant is delivered externally, after which levels of growth hormone are checked at regular intervals.

Although the expression of growth hormone releasing hormone is distinctive in the hypothalamus, it is also appeared in other internal organs, including mucosal lining of the alimentary tract and pancreas. Also, pathological studies of cancerous or tumor cells reveal the stimulation of GHRH. Thus, the doctor may conduct a growth hormone releasing hormone test, based on the condition of the patient. Also, current researches are going on regarding the use of GHRH for treatment of growth hormone deficiency diseases. I hope, the article gave enough information to satisfy your interest.