Growth Hormone: Physiology and Pathologies

This lecture covers the physiology of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), including their mode of action, metabolic effects, and circadian rhythm of secretion. It also discusses the pathologies associated with GH, such as acromegaly, gigantism, and various types of dwarfism. The instructor explains the clinical evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-hepatic axis and the synthesis and secretion of GH. Additionally, the lecture delves into the effects of GH on bone and tissue growth, as well as the different mutations and disorders linked to GH and IGF-1. Optical microscopy images of the pituitary gland and the major cell types in the anterior pituitary are also presented.