The acute, transient surge in the pulsatile secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland that is directly elicited by a bout of physical exertion, particularly high-intensity resistance or endurance training. This hormonal response is a fundamental component of the body’s adaptive physiological response to exercise stress, playing a crucial role in post-exercise metabolism, lipolysis, and subsequent tissue repair and remodeling. The magnitude of this release is highly dependent on the intensity and metabolic demands of the activity.
Origin
The phenomenon has been recognized since the early days of exercise physiology and endocrinology, where the acute hormonal responses to physical stress were first mapped. The term highlights the non-pharmacological, endogenous pathway for stimulating GH release, underscoring the body’s innate capacity for anabolic signaling. Understanding this mechanism is vital for designing training protocols that maximize natural hormonal benefits.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism involves the exercise-induced accumulation of metabolic byproducts, such as lactate, and a transient drop in blood glucose, which act as potent secretagogues signaling the hypothalamus to release Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). This GHRH then stimulates the somatotroph cells in the pituitary to secrete GH in a pulsatile manner. Additionally, the increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and the transient reduction in somatostatin (GH-inhibiting hormone) contribute significantly to the overall magnitude and duration of the exercise-induced GH pulse.
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