Effects of Single Intravenous Injections of Pituitary Growth Hormone to Normal Adult Men.

Abstract

A highly purified prepn. of pituitary growth hormone was given intraven. (dosage ranging from 70-225 mg.) together with an infusion of amino acids, to 5 normal, young, adult men and a patient with cancer. Each subject served as his own control receiving the same infusion of amino acids. The following effects were observed: (1) a consistent, rapid lowering of blood amino acid N levels; (2) a reduction in the excretion of amino acid N in the urine; (3) a rapid but transient rise in blood glucose levels; (4) an increase in the ketonemia of fasting; (5) an increased urinary excretion of Na.retaining material (2) subjects so-tested.) No increase of the blood NPN was noted. No consistent effects were observed on serum and urine P, serum alkaline phosphatase or blood eosinophils. The results obtained in the blood and urinary amino acids N suggest the possibility of an anabolic effect of a growth hormone prepn. in man.