[Growth hormone concentration following various factors stimulating its release]

Growth hormone concentration has been assayed in 105 children (45 girls and 60 boys) during starvation and following its stimulation with clonidine and insulin and during the sleep. A significant difference between growth hormone concentration during fasting and after stimulation has been noted. No statistically significant difference between growth hormone concentrations during the sleep and following insulin has been found. The most intensive growth hormone release has been observed during the sleep. Test with clonidine is technically simple and may be performed also in the out-patient clinics.