[Biosynthesis and hormonal regulation of IGF (insulin-like growth factors, or somatomedins). Experimental and clinical studies (author's transl)].

Rat liver explants in culture release into the culture medium IGF and their carrier which form a complex with an apparent molecular weight of similar to or approximately 40,000. With gel filtration in acetic acid the IGF are separated from their carrier and each can then be measured by radioligand assay. In terms of their hormonal control "in vitro", GH, insulin and cortisol have an independent action on each. Pituitary and various brain tissues in organ culture also produce IGF and their carrier. The "in vitro" regulation of the IGF and their carrier has been investigated through assays of their levels in human serum under normal and pathological conditions, such as hypopituitarism, acromegaly, coeliac disease, Cushing's syndrome and idiopathic short or tall stature.