Abstract
GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) is detectable in the peripheral plasma but its possible functions and sources remain to be elucidated. We therefore measured the response of GHRH, GH, insulin and SRIF to a mixed meal {800 kcal; 50% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 15% fat) in 7 short normal children (8.4-12.6 years) undergoing 24h spontaneous GH secretory pattern investigation. Blood samples were drawn at 0; 30; 60; 90; 120; 150 and 180 minutes. All hormones were measured using specific RIAs. In response to the mixed meal there was a significant increase of plasma GHRH with peak values occurring between 60 and 150 min (10.2 ± 1.2 pg/ml vs 25.6 ± 4.5 pg/ml; p < 0.01). Plasma GH values increased within 30 to 150 minutes suggesting spontaneous GH bursts. Plasma insulin levels increased between 60 and 90 minutes (9.4 ± 1.2 μU/ml vs 49.5 ± 4.4 μU/ml; p < 0.001). A significant rise of plasma SRIF was found which showed a biphasic pattern. There was no correlation between increments of plasma GHRH and the other hormones. In contrast, in 2 obese children we could find no plasma GHRH increase. Our results support the concept that circulating GHRH might act as a peripheral hormone and posssibly originates from the gastrointestinal tract.
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