Dermal changes in osteoporosis following prolonged treatment with human growth hormone

Five patients with osteoporosis were treated with human growth hormone (hGH) for a year and the changes in their skin were studied by light and electron microscopy. The abnormally thin skin of osteoporosis appeared to change towards normal after treatment with hGH. There was a consistent proliferation of blood vessels, and increased number of mast cells and fibrocytes. The collagen bundles and elastic tissue fibers appeared hyperplastic and more horizontally oriented. The fine, vertical elastic fibrils of the papillary dermis had appeared decreased before treatment, but seemed to be restored to their normal configuration after treatment. Since there was no evidence of stimulation of hair, sebum, or melanin such as occurs in acromegaly, it is suggested that the scope of the direct action of hGH on the skin is limited to mesenchymal structures.