What is the Origin of GHRH Suppression?

The term is grounded in neuroendocrinology, specifically the study of the hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis, which controls growth and metabolism. The discovery of GHRH and its counter-regulatory hormone, somatostatin, established the dual control system for GH release. Suppression refers to the clinical intervention or pathological state that disrupts the positive stimulatory signal from the hypothalamus to the pituitary.

What is the Mechanism of GHRH Suppression?

GHRH suppression can be achieved via two primary routes: pharmacological agents that act as GHRH receptor antagonists, or through the increased negative feedback signaling, such as high circulating levels of GH or IGF-1, which naturally inhibit GHRH release. The mechanism involves the suppression of GHRH synthesis and secretion from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, thereby removing the primary signal for somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary to release GH. This reduction in pulsatile GH release directly translates to lower systemic IGF-1 concentrations.

GHRH Suppression ∞ Area

GHRH Suppression

Meaning

The physiological or pharmacological inhibition of the secretion or action of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH). GHRH suppression leads to a subsequent reduction in endogenous GH secretion and, consequently, a decrease in the hepatic production of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1). This mechanism is utilized clinically to manage conditions characterized by GH excess, such as acromegaly, or to modulate the somatotropic axis.