Effects of growth hormone, glucose and insulin on the factor VIII complex

The relationship of growth hormone (GH) to the factor VIII complex (VIIIC, VIIIRAg and VIIIRRCo) was investigated. No correlation between basal levels of GH and factor VIII assays was found in 23 subjects. No significant change in factor VIII assays was observed after GH suppression by oral glucose or bromocriptine. After insulin-induced hypoglycaemic all three factor VIII assays rose and fell in parallel with GH. However, after exercise the rise in VIIIC and VIIIRAg preceded the rise in GH; and no changes in factor VIII assays were observed after administration of thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) (releasing endogenous GH) or exogenous GH. These findings do not support a role for GH in the regulation of plasma levels of VIIIC, VIIIRAg or VIIIRRCo.