Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons as a Target for Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings
Published on: March 17, 2023
Neuroendocrine control of growth hormone secretion in humans
J Devesa1, L Lima, J A Tresguerres
1Jesus Devesa and Luis Lima are at the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela E-15705, Spain.
Abstract:
The episodic secretion of growth hormone (GH) depends on the rhythmic alternation in the hypothalamic release of GHRH and somatostatin (SS) into the hypophyseal portal system. In turn, GH appears to maintain this rhythm by stimulating SS and inhibiting GHRH secretion. Central adrenergic pathways, by modulating SS secretion, seem to be the final mediator for most stimuli, including other neurotransmitters, modifying GH release. Glucocorticoids enhance GH gene transcription and facilitate GH gene expression; the latter effect also depends on physiologic plasma levels of thyroid hormones. Sex steroids mainly act on SS neurons, most likely by affecting the alpha(2)-adrenergic transmission to them. Metabolic intermediates can also affect GH secretion: arginine and hypoglycemia inhibit SS release, whereas hyperglycemia and free fatty acids (FFA) stimulate it. In addition, a strong inhibitory effect of FFA on the somatotrophs also occurs.
Related Concept Videos
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Regulation of Food Intake
Feedback Loops

