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Urinary growth hormone in man: evidence for multiple molecular forms
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|February 1, 1983
Summary
The predominant form of human growth hormone (hGH) in urine is the 22K monomer. Urinary hGH analysis reveals circulating hGH comprises multiple forms, with 22K predominating, and is similar in acromegaly.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human growth hormone (hGH) exists in various molecular forms.
- The in vivo secretion and interconversion of these hGH forms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular forms of hGH excreted in urine.
- To determine if urinary hGH reflects circulating hGH composition and identify secreted forms.
Main Methods:
- hGH was extracted from urine using hollow fiber diafiltration and immunoadsorbent chromatography.
- Extracted hGH was analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing.
Main Results:
- The predominant hGH form in urine from normal and acromegalic subjects was 22K.
- Small amounts of 20K and an unidentified acidic form were detected; cleaved and big hGH forms were absent.
- Urinary hGH profiles were similar between normal subjects and an acromegalic patient.
Conclusions:
- Circulating hGH is composed of at least three forms, predominantly 22K.
- Urinary hGH analysis provides insights into the in vivo forms of hGH.
- Acromegalic hGH excretion is similar to normal, and renal processing of hGH is minimal.