Physiological effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I on the kidney.

Growth hormone increases renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate and reduces total renal vascular resistance. Evidence presented in this paper indicates that these effects of growth hormone are mediated by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Published literature indicates that growth hormone and IGF-I have a number of other physiological and morphological effects on the kidney. Further studies are indicated to evaluate under which conditions growth hormone and IGF-I are regulators of kidney function, and to identify the mechanisms of action. In addition, the role of both hormones, if any, in the development of progressive glomerular sclerosis and renal failure needs to be explored.