Growth hormone responses in isolated protein deficiency state in rhesus monkey

We have longitudinally studied the effects of protein-deficient diet on serum growth hormone (GH) concentration in rhesus monkey. A biphasic basal GH response and a phenomenon of failure to suppress GH levels after glucose administration were observed in animals fed diet lacking proteins. GH levels remained consistently elevated in protein-deprived monkeys. Whether these elevations in GH will have any deleterious influence on the host remains to be seen.