Effect of recombinant human growth hormone on adreno-cortical function, and on sodium and potassium homeostasis

In the present study we examined the effect of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on adrenocortical secretory function, as well as sodium and potassium balance. rhGH, 100 micrograms/kg per day, was given for 4 days. Both glucocorticoid and androgen secretion were unaffected by treatment as evidence by unchanged levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate. rhGH resulted in retention of sodium and potassium and a decrease in serum potassium concentration, but neither aldosterone plasma levels nor urinary excretion rates changed until after treatment. During the rhGH washout phase, a natriuresis ensued, but this occurred slowly possibly in part because a higher serum potassium stimulated aldosterone secretion. In summary, short-term treatment with rhGH had no immediate effect on adrenocortical function, but caused pronounced retention of electrolytes. In the posttreatment period, there were increases in aldosterone secretion accompanied by delayed recovery from the retention of sodium.