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Growth Hormone Pulsatility

Meaning

Growth Hormone Pulsatility describes the characteristic, episodic pattern of Growth Hormone (GH) secretion from the anterior pituitary gland, which occurs in discrete, intermittent bursts rather than a continuous, steady release. This physiological rhythm is a crucial determinant of GH’s overall biological efficacy and is tightly governed by the complex interplay of hypothalamic hormones, primarily the stimulatory Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and the inhibitory somatostatin. The frequency and overall amplitude of these secretory pulses diminish significantly with the progression of chronological age, a condition known as somatopause.