Acromegaly Flashcards
1
Q
What is acromegaly?
A
Acromegaly is a condition that results from excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed
2
Q
What is gigantism?
A
A condition that results from excess growth hormone (GH) before the growth plates have closed (in childhood)
3
Q
Outline the action of growth hormone
A
Growth hormone secretion from the somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland is stimulated by GHRH and GH acts on the liver to induce IGF-1 production which mediates all of the ‘growth effects’ of GH
4
Q
How is GH secretion regulated?
A
Somatostatin inhibits the production of GHRH and GH, as does increasing levels of IGF-1.
