AAS 101: The Basics

[DrJMW]

Many of us seem to be getting away from basic knowledge of the meds we use for enhancement. I want to pose a question and start a discussion of the answer. The questions will be basic. Here goes:

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF GROWTH HORMONE IN THE ADULT?

By adult, I am referring to an individual who has surpassed his growth spurt and his development and growth have peaked. By primary, I mean its major purpose. It has minor purposes as well, but look at when GH levels are maximized and describe its function during that time. If this discussion flows, I will be happy to ask further thought-provoking questions.

 

[thx9000]

Just a guess: maintaining proper body composition and lipid profiles?

 

[GoldenDelicious]

maybe you should give people an idea of what depth you want in an answer

this is a good idea by the way

 

[Barak]

I always thought in a normal healthy Adult GH was for repair/maintenance of tissues(organs,skin etc.)

 

[wnt2bBeast]

to stimulate the liver to produce insulin-like growth factors which leads to increased protein synthesis and amino acid uptake and various other effects on the body..

 

[WanderingClumsyFool]

maintenance of the structural integrity of the body tissue in adults.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Is the Dr or GD gonna help us out with the answer?

 

[liquidmuscle]

in regards to athletes or aids patients?..

 

[DrJMW]

Liquid--I am talking about the normal adult. Endogenous GH, not exogenous. We are talking basic biochemistry/physiology, not pharamcology. I like some of the answers. I want to reiterate the hint I gave. Think about the times when the normal adult has the highest levels of circulating GH.

In the grown adult, stimualtion of IGF-1 is a minor function. There is a more important primary function. Wandering and thx are close--the purpose is very simple. Let have some more discussion before I introduce the answer.

 

[The_Chemist]

sleep???

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Regulation of the pituatary...

 

[evander1972]

For Growth

 

[thx9000]

Think about the times when the normal adult has the highest levels of circulating GH.

In the grown adult, stimualtion of IGF-1 is a minor function. There is a more important primary function. Wandering and thx are close--the purpose is very simple. Let have some more discussion before I introduce the answer.

The time is at night when most repair of daily damage is done but I assume that is a function of IGF-1 not directly GH. So, I am at a loss. If I weren't stuck on the IGF-1 being essential to that repair process, then I guess I would say GH's primary function in an adult is to repair daily stress/damage.

I know that GH is "helpful" in maintaining a healthy lipid profile, maintaining bone density and a good body composition. Persons with GH deficiency don’t always suffer from serious problems with any of these, though, so I can’t say it’s essential for any of them in an adult.

 

[Mavy]

Liquid--I am talking about the normal adult. Endogenous GH, not exogenous. We are talking basic biochemistry/physiology, not pharamcology. I like some of the answers. I want to reiterate the hint I gave. Think about the times when the normal adult has the highest levels of circulating GH.

In the grown adult, stimualtion of IGF-1 is a minor function. There is a more important primary function. Wandering and thx are close--the purpose is very simple. Let have some more discussion before I introduce the answer.

GH comes from a part of the pituitary gland deep in the brain I thought? It's a microscopic protein substance that is chemically, somewhat similar to insulin but it is secreted in short pulses during the first hours of sleep and after exercise (squat heavy then go to bed hahaha), but it only remains in the circulation for a few minutes where insulin is much longer.

The main role is serves in the body is to create Somatomedin-C and Insulin-like Growth Factor- I. This happenms when the body binds most of the growth hormone in the liver.

One of the other rolse it plays int he body is having a direct effect on metabolism. The direct effects of this are growth hormone binding its receptor on target cells. Fat cells, have growth hormone receptors, and growth hormone stimulates them to break down triglyceride and supresses their ability to take up and accumulate circulating lipids. But is has a direct efefct on all of the macros, i.e., effects on protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

 

[DJ_UFO]

I think from Growth hormone depends the balance and production of all the other hormones. That's why GH is called the mother of hormones.

 

[DrJMW]

I can see that a great deal of thought went into these answers, and I appreciate that. In the adult, GH levels are highest during times of fasting or starvation. Most adults fast at least 10-12 hours a day (from last meal until the first meal the next day). We are fasting during sleep (at least most of us are). Therefore, the primary purpose of GH in the adult is: to preserve LBM and to promote endogenous fat metabolism during times of fasting (or starvation). Everyone has pretty much touched on the mechanism of GH's actions. To review the basic mechanism, GH stimulates the formation of IGF-1 and GH directly stimulates adipose tissue to cause lipolysis. I will be posing another question shortly. Thanks to all of you for your participation.

 

[GoldenDelicious]

im not saying anything in this thread....this is drjmw's show

im not gonna be that kid in the class who failed last semester and knows all the answers...those kids are damn annoying

although, doc...i always thought that GH was highest during times of REM sleep. this is also the time when people will fast (because you cant eat when youre asleep...unless youre me....which is why im so fat... ) and so my knowledge is in line with yours (good lol)

im too used to looking at body systems at the molecular level, so ill just shut up and stay out of your way now

cheers

 

[Mavy]

Interesting.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

cool..i think these kinds of threads can be useful..