DRAW IT In mammals, the production of the hormone IGF-1 by the liver is controlled by growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing hormone. Draw a simple sketch of this pathway, including glands, tissues, hormones, routes for hormone movement, and effects.

Key Concepts

Growth Hormone (GH)

Growth Hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration in humans and other animals. It plays a crucial role in regulating body composition, muscle and bone growth, and metabolism. GH acts on various tissues, promoting the synthesis of IGF-1 in the liver, which mediates many of its growth-promoting effects.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1)

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone produced primarily in the liver in response to GH stimulation. It plays a vital role in growth and development by promoting cell growth and division, particularly in muscle and bone tissues. IGF-1 also has important metabolic functions, influencing glucose and lipid metabolism, and its levels are often used as a marker for growth hormone activity.

Hormonal Signaling Pathway

A hormonal signaling pathway involves the release of hormones from glands, which travel through the bloodstream to target tissues, where they exert their effects. In this context, GH is released from the pituitary gland and stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1. Understanding this pathway is essential for illustrating how hormones interact and regulate physiological processes, including growth and metabolism.