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Growth Hormone Release Patterns

Meaning

Growth Hormone Release Patterns refer to the complex, pulsatile secretory rhythm of somatotropin (Growth Hormone, GH) from the anterior pituitary gland throughout a 24-hour cycle, which is not a continuous process but a series of distinct bursts. These patterns are characterized by their amplitude, frequency, and duration, with the largest and most physiologically significant pulse typically occurring during deep sleep. Clinical assessment of these patterns is vital because the biological effects of GH are highly dependent on the pattern of its release, not just its total daily output. Age, sleep quality, and metabolic status significantly modulate this intricate secretory rhythm.