Growth Hormone

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Cat Number

92801ES

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Product Detail Description Scientific Support Customer Q&A

Synonyms

GH1; GH; GHN; GH-N; hGH-N; Pituitary Growth Hormone; Growth Hormone 1; Somatotropin

Molecular Weight

Approximately 22 kDa.

Appearance

Sterile filtered white lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.

General Description

Growth hormone (GH, somatotropin) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is a single-chain polypeptide which consists of 191 amino acids. It is crucial in the regulation of growth, metabolism, and cell repair in humans. The secretion of growth hormone is stimulated by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and inhibited by somatostatin. Growth hormone is released in a pulsatile manner with highest secretory peaks occurring during sleep and exercise.

Mechanism of Action

GH acts by binding to its receptor, growth hormone receptor (GHR), a transmembrane protein with a wide tissue distribution, which includes liver, muscle, and bone. GHR binding causes JAK2-STAT signaling cascade to be initiated, which then leads to the transcription of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is responsible for most of GH's anabolic effects including skeletal growth, protein synthesis, and tissue regeneration. GH also directly affects lipid metabolism to cause lipolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Application

GH is indicated for the treatment of GH deficiency in children and adults, to increase height, muscle mass and bone density. It is also indicated for treatment of Turner syndrome, growth failure due to chronic kidney disease and Prader-Willi syndrome. GH is also used to treat muscle wasting that can follow severe burns and HIV infection.

GH binding to its cognate receptor (GHR) leads to the activation of JAK2 which phosphorylates tyrosine residues on the intracellular domain of GHR. This results in the generation of docking sites that are recognised by STAT5a/5b which, in turn, are phosphorylated by JAK2. In addition to STAT5a/5b, GHR-JAK2 signalling also activates STAT1 and STAT3, however these STATs do not need to bind to the receptor. GH has also been shown to activate Ras/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. These signalling pathways play a role in regulating a variety of physiological processes in different cell types.

Fig. 1 Activation of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) by growth hormone. (Dehkhoda F, et al. 2018)

References

Dehkhoda F, et al. The growth hormone receptor: mechanism of receptor activation, cell signaling, and physiological aspects. Frontiers in endocrinology. 2018, 9: 35.

Is GH sensitive to vigorous shaking or agitation?

Yes, avoid shaking GH; gentle swirling is required to prevent denaturation

Does every GH shipment come with a CoA?

Yes, a batch-specific certificate of analysis is included with every GH box.

How can I track my GH package after it leaves?

We email a real-time tracking number immediately after your GH is shipped.

Do you offer technical support for GH storage?

Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions regarding GH storage conditions.