Neurotransmitter control of growth hormone secretion in humans

Growth hormone secretion is mainly regulated by the interplay of GHRH and somatostatin, two specific hypophysiotrophic neurohormones. In addition to GHRH and somatostatin, many neurotransmitters and neuropeptides influence GH secretion mainly by acting at the hypothalamic level. This paper focuses on the stimulatory role of acetylcholine, arginine and galanin as well as on the inhibitory influence of catecholamines which is mediated by the activation of beta-adrenergic receptors. Attention will be given to the age-related changes in the neural control of GH secretion from childhood to old age.