Related Experiment Videos
Kidney function in normal man during short-term growth hormone infusion.
Acta Endocrinologica
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Short-term growth hormone (GH) infusion did not significantly alter kidney function in normal males. While plasma GH increased tenfold, glomerular filtration rate and albumin excretion remained unchanged, with only a minor decrease in renal plasma flow observed.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Physiology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a role in metabolic regulation.
- Previous studies suggest prolonged GH administration may affect kidney function.
- The acute effects of GH on renal hemodynamics and function are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate effects of a 2-hour growth hormone infusion on kidney function in healthy males.
- To determine changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (RPF) during acute GH administration.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy males received a continuous infusion of GH (50 ng/kg/min) for 2 hours.
- Renal function was assessed using clearance techniques with [125I]iothalamate for GFR and [131I]iodohippurate for RPF.
- Urinary excretion rates of albumin and beta2-microglobulin were measured using radioimmunoassays.
Main Results:
- Plasma GH concentration increased approximately tenfold during the infusion.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin and beta2-microglobulin excretion rates remained unchanged.
- A small but statistically significant decrease (-5%) in effective renal plasma flow (RPF) was observed (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Acute, short-term (2-hour) growth hormone infusion does not significantly impact overall kidney function in normal males.
- The observed minor decrease in renal plasma flow suggests that GH's renal effects may require longer exposure to become apparent.
- These findings contrast with studies showing renal changes after prolonged GH administration, indicating a time-dependent effect of GH on the kidneys.