Regulation of cartilage growth by growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I.

• A number of studies have shown that growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) have important regulatory roles for skeletal growth. However, it has been a matter of controversy whether GH acts directly on cells in the growth plate or if the growth-promoting effects of GH are mediated by liver-derived (endocrine-acting) IGF-I. With the recognition that GH regulates the production of IGF-I in multiple extra-hepatic tissues, autocrine and paracrine functions of IGF-I have been suggested as important components of GH action. This review focuses on recent developments in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms by which GH promotes longitudinal bone growth and the inter-relationship between GH and IGF-I in the growth plate.

Keyword

Animals

Bone Development

Cartilage

physiology

Growth Hormone

physiology

Growth Plate

physiology

Humans

Insulin-Like Growth Factor I

physiology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)