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Human growth hormone, also referred to as somatotropin, is a tissue building hormone that's stored in the anterior pituitary gland. The human growth hormone works by increasing protein synthesis and fat metabolism of the effected sight. Exercise and growth during puberty are large contributors to the release of growth hormone.
Function
Human growth hormone is released from the anterior pituitary gland of the brain stem. When released it enters the blood plasma and passes through the membrane of cells of organs like the liver, bone, fat and skeletal muscle. The growth hormone entering the cells signals long protein chains called polypeptides to be released to the blood stream and then into cells.
Effects
Once in the cells, growth hormones increase the metabolism and promotes protein synthesis. The long chain proteins are also in the cells repairing tissue and enhancing the immune function.
Considerations
Deep sleep, increased protein intake, injury and stress also increase the release of the growth hormone. Factors that decrease the activation of growth hormone are obesity, high fat diets and too little sleep.
Fun Fact
Human growth hormone increase the metabolism of a cells allowing more fats and carbohydrates to be burned for fuel during activities.
Warning
People that produce too much growth hormone or ingest a large amount in supplements can become diabetic. A constant stream of growth hormone in the body causes insulin, another hormone in the pancreas, to be secreted in high levels until it is unable to keep up with the demand.
Source:
"Principles of Anatomy and Physiology" 11th edition; Gerard J Tortora, & Bryan Derrickson; 2006
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