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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Complex rhythmicity of growth hormone secretion in humans
Sowmya Surya1, Kathleen Symons, Edward Rothman
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of MEND, University of Michigan Medical Center and Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
Abstract:
To better characterize the 24 hr GH secretion pattern in humans, we studied frequently sampled 24 hr GH profiles in 93 young (18-45 years of age) healthy, fed volunteers: men (n=67) and women (n=26) with BMI<26 kg/m(2). Analysis of the composite GH series in men revealed 3 significant GH "waves" with peaks occurring at midnight (p<0.0001), at noon (p<0.02) and at 1800 h (p<0.0001). In women, similar pattern was seen, with three GH "waves" peaking at midnight (p<0.0001), 1100 h (p<0.02) and at 1600 h (p<0.002). We conclude that the 24 hr rhythmicity of GH secretion is far more complex than currently appreciated. The attribution of the two daytime GH "waves" to food consumption is unlikely but cannot be excluded at the present time. The complex temporal pattern of pulsatile GH secretion may have important effects on regulation of target cell function.
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