EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE ON LEVELS OF BLOOD AND URINARY CARBOHYDRATE AND FAT METABOLITES IN MAN *

Abstract

Administration of 1 to 5 mg of human growth hormone (Raben-HGH) to 5 patients with hypopituitarism, one with hyperinsulinism, and one with obesity produced a rise in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and blood and urinary citrate and ketones which preceded marked changes in protein metabolism by 24 hours. Continued daily HGH produced retention of protoplasmic constituents, a sustained rise in FFA and serum and urinary citrate, and a decreased tolerance to glucose. These changes suggest primary fat mobilization with increased availability of 2-carbon fragments whose subsequent disposal via the tricarboxylic acid cycle provided both energy and substrate for protein synthesis. Administration of HGH for more than 2 to 3 weeks resulted in a return to control of metabolite levels but continued glucose intolerance. Thus prolonged therapy may produce a response which differs from the early metabolic changes.