Pituitary Growth Hormone and Its Hypothalamic Releasing Factor in Normal and Genetically Diabetic Mice ∗

Abstract

Summary

Pituitary GH and hypothalamic GH-RF were determined in normal and in genetically diabetic (db/db) mice during mild and severe hyperglycemia. Mildly hyperglycemic mice had above normal concentrations of GH and GH-RF (p<0.05). whereas the concentrations of GH and GH-RF were below normal in severely hyperglycemic mice (p<0.05). The results suggest that mild hyperglycemia may be stimulated by excessive GH release during the early stages of diabetes and that GH release may be inhibited by severe hyperglycemia during the latter stages of diabetes.