EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE IN MAN *

Abstract

Daily intramuscular injections of 0.2 to 10 mg daily of the Raben preparation of human growth hormone in 10 patients stimulated linear growth, produced retention of N, P, Ca, Na, K and Mg, increased Ca absorption and urinary Ca excretion, and probably mobilized fat. Growth hormone decreased blood urea N, increased serum inorganic P and did not alter serum Na7, K, Ca and Mg. At the dose levels used the chemical response to growth hormone waned after 3 to 4 weeks'' continuous treatment; marked N retention occurred with re-institution of growth hormone therapy after 12 days withdrawal of the hormone. Linear growth was more rapid the first 6 months than the succeeding 12 months of continuous treatment at single dose levels. The Raben preparation of human growth hormone was stable for at least 6 months, well tolerated, apparently free of significant gonadotropic, thyrotropic and adrenocorticotropic contamination and did not stimulate precipitating or blocking antibodies.