THE EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE ON PLASMA GLUCOSE, NEFA, INSULIN AND BLOOD PYRUVATE LEVELS DURING INTRAVENOUS GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TESTS

Abstract

Impaired oral (OGTT) and i.v. glucose tolerance (IVGTT) has been found in some women receiving oral contraceptives (Wynn & Doar, 1966). The precise cause is not known but it has been suggested that elevated plasma growth hormone (GH) levels may be responsible (Spellacy, Carlson & Schade, 1967). Striking increases of OGTT and IVGTT blood pyruvate levels have also been found during oral contraceptive therapy (Wynn & Doar, 1966). The present study was undertaken to investigate the acute effects of GH on carbohydrate and intermediary metabolism. Two IVGTT's were carried out by methods previously described (Wynn & Doar, 1966) in 12 normal ambulatory subjects (aged 20–49), six of whom were women. The first test served as a control. The second test was carried out 120 min. after i.v. administration of 5 mg. human GH (HGH, MRC R. 10 Batch). Blood samples were analysed for plasma glucose (Cramp, 1967), non-esterified fatty acid