Glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone and growth hormone interactions: implications for the growth plate

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Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification
07:23

Culture of Murine Embryonic Metatarsals: A Physiological Model of Endochondral Ossification

Published on: December 3, 2016

T Siebler1, H Robson, S M Shalet

  • 1University Children's Hospital, University of Leipzig, Germany.

Hormone Research
|January 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Childhood linear growth relies on the growth plate, with growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I playing key roles. Recent research highlights local IGF-I actions and direct hormone regulation within the growth plate.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Skeletal biology
  • Growth regulation

Background:

  • Linear growth in children is crucial for development.
  • Endochondral ossification in the growth plate drives longitudinal bone growth.
  • Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I are primary regulators, with glucocorticoids (GC) and thyroid hormone (T3) also contributing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of GH, IGF-I, GC, and T3 in regulating linear growth.
  • To clarify the mechanisms of hormone action within the epiphyseal growth plate.
  • To evaluate the somatomedin hypothesis versus local autocrine/paracrine pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of hormone imbalances during childhood growth.
  • Studies utilizing genetically modified mouse models.
  • Examination of IGF-I and its receptor expression in the growth plate.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports a significant autocrine/paracrine pathway for GH and IGF-I in growth.
  • Direct effects of GC and T3 on endochondral ossification are confirmed.
  • The growth plate acts as a central hub for converging hormonal signals controlling linear growth.

Conclusions:

  • Local IGF-I action is a critical determinant of endochondral ossification.
  • GH, GC, and T3 directly influence IGF-I and its receptor expression in the growth plate.
  • The epiphyseal growth plate integrates multiple hormonal inputs to control childhood linear growth.

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