GROWTH HORMONE CONTENT IN HUMAN PITUITARIES1

Abstract

GROWTH hormone (GH) has been isolated from ox pituitaries (1, 2), pig pituitaries (3) and from horse, sheep and fish pituitaries (4). The hormone isolated from different species varies in physical and chemical properties. Thus, the difference in isoelectric points among the various GH preparations indicates differences in composition and possibly also in structure. Furthermore, the biological activity of the different GH preparations varies from species to species. A preparation may be inactive when tested in one species but highly active when tested in another species. A rich literature has accumulated on the effects of GH in animals, not only on growth but on a wide variety of metabolic processes as well. Evidence for its action in man is, on the other hand, meager and inconclusive.