Page 20 - Module 1-Anatomy and Physiology of Growth Hormone Function Final (Interactive)

Module 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Growth Hormone

Effects of neuropharmacological agents

There are several neuropharmacological agents that affect GH secretion. These
drugs may interact with the nervous system in a variety of ways:
• Dopamine agonists such as levodopa, apomorphine, and bromocriptine increase
GH secretion.
• Dopaminergic antagonists such as phenothiazines inhibit GH secretion.
• Phentolamine suppresses GH release in response to other stimuli, such as
hypoglycemia (via insulin), exercise, and arginine.
• Beta-adrenergic agonists inhibit GH, whereas beta-adrenergic antagonists such
as propranolol enhance secretion in response to provocative stimuli.
Effects of steroids

High dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy can reduce the physiological GH secretion via
an increase in somatostatin. In addition, GC induced growth failure has direct effects
on the growth plate and linear bone growth.

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