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Somatotroph Sensitivity

Meaning

Somatotroph Sensitivity refers to the responsiveness of the somatotroph cells within the anterior pituitary gland to stimulatory and inhibitory signals, primarily Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin, respectively. A high sensitivity indicates that the somatotrophs require less GHRH to release a significant pulse of Growth Hormone (GH). This sensitivity is a critical factor determining the overall output of the somatotropic axis and is influenced by age, nutritional status, and circulating hormone levels, such as ghrelin and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).