GH

Pituitary growth hormone (GH) plays a crucial role in stimulating and controlling the growth, metabolism and differentiation of many mammalian cell types by modulating the synthesis of multiple mRNA species. These effects are mediated by the binding of GH to its membrane-bound receptor, GHR, and involve a phosphorylation cascade that results in the modulation of numerous signaling pathways. GH is synthesized by acidophilic or somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Human growth hormone contains 191 amino acid residues with two disulfide bridges. Anti-GH is a useful marker in classification of pituitary tumors and the study of pituitary disease (acromegaly). It reacts with GH-producing cells. Growth hormone receptors have been found in various non-pituitary cells, including that from hepatocellular carcinoma and various benign and malignant cutaneous lesions.