Growth hormone (GH), brain development and neural stem cells.
1Queensland Brain Institute and Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia 4072. m.waters@uq.edu.au
Pediatric Endocrinology Reviews : PER
|March 9, 2012
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) activates neural stem cells, promoting neuron growth and cognitive function. This discovery highlights the potential of GH replacement therapy for brain health in GH-deficient individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a role in brain development and function.
- Evidence includes altered brain structure in GH receptor null mice and impaired cognition in GH-deficient states.
- GH influences neurogenesis, myelin synthesis, and dendritic branching, with widespread brain expression of its receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GH in activating neural stem cells.
- To explore the GH-dependency of exercise-induced neural stem cell activation.
- To reassess the clinical significance of GH replacement in GH deficiency.
Main Methods:
- GH infusion in mice to observe neural stem cell activation.
- Investigating the GH-dependency of exercise-induced stem cell activation.
- Reviewing existing literature on GH, brain function, and cognition.
Main Results:
- GH infusion activates a population of neural stem cells, leading to neurogenesis in mice.
- Voluntary exercise activates these neural stem cells in a GH-dependent manner.
- Local GH synthesis in the hippocampus correlates with memory tasks.
Conclusions:
- GH directly influences neural stem cell activity and subsequent neurogenesis.
- Exercise-induced neurogenesis is mediated by GH.
- GH replacement therapy may be clinically important for cognitive function in GH-deficient states.
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