THE INFLUENCE OF BLOOD GLUCOSE ON THE PLASMA CONCENTRATION OF GROWTH HORMONE

A sensitive and specific assay method has been used to demonstrate acute changes in plasma HCH in normal and diabetic subjects. HGH secretion is suppressed by glucose administration and markedly stimulated by hypoglycemia, by a rapid fall in blood glucose without hypoglycemia, and by interference with intracellular glucose utilization. High levels of HGH were also observed during prolonged fasting, after exercise, and four to six hours following oral glucose administration. Abnormalities in HGH secretion were found in association with acromegaly and obesity, and following section of the hypophyseal stalk. The half time for disappearance of endogenous plasma HGH is twenty to thirty minutes.