Circumstantial evidence for a role of the secretory pattern of growth hormone in control of body growth.

The effect of frequency of growth hormone (GH) administration on longitudinal bone growth and body weight was studied in hypophysectomized rats which were given replacement therapy with corticosteroids, thyroxine and GH with start of therapy on the day of surgery. Longitudinal bone growth, as determined by the tetracycline method, was measured during the last 5 days of the 9 day long period with replacement therapy. The daily replacement dose of GH (bGH-17:NIH) was 200 micrograms and was given on 1, 2, 4 or 8 occasions. Longitudinal bone growth was enhanced in the groups of animals receiving the hormone on two or more occasions per day. The most pronounced response was seen with an administration frequency of four times per day. Changes in body weight during the injection period showed similar changes. The results of the present study show that the administration frequency of growth hormone is important for the growth rate in hypophysectomized rats which have been given replacement therapy. The findings suggest that the secretory pattern of GH is an important factor for optimum growth.