Comparative Studies on the Effect of Human Growth Hormone, Human Prolactin and Human Placental Lactogen on Lipid Metabolism

Abstract

After the i.v. administration of HGH, HPr and HPL to groups of 10 women each, blood samples were obtained at time intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 150 min. The following parameters were measured; free fatty acids, free glycerol, acetoacetate and 3-D-β-hydroxybutyrate. Upon the injection of HGH and HPr, a similar pattern of free fatty acid and free glycerol serum concentrations was observed. The fall of the levels of both parameters in the first 30 min might indicate an increased metabolism of free fatty acid and free glycerol. Only after the 30th min following administration of HGH was there a significant lipolytic effect. A significant difference in the pattern of ketone bodies was found after the administration of HGH and HPr. HPL showed no effect on the lipid metabolism. Since HGH and HPr have the same somatotropic, but a different lactotropic activity, it might be possible that the molecular site of action producing the somatotropic activity is also responsible for the effect on the lipid metabolism. 1 Supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft SFB 34, Endocrinology