The critical neuroendocrine pathway responsible for regulating growth, metabolism, and body composition, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the liver. It is formally known as the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Somatotropic (HPS) axis. The axis is centered on the secretion of Growth Hormone (GH) and its action, primarily mediated by Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1).
Origin
The term is derived from the Greek word soma, meaning “body,” and tropos, meaning “turning” or “influencing,” reflecting its fundamental role in bodily growth and metabolism. The understanding of this interconnected regulatory system evolved through endocrinology research in the mid-20th century.
Mechanism
The axis is initiated by the hypothalamus releasing Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete Growth Hormone (GH). GH then travels to the liver, where it primarily stimulates the production of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 acts systemically to promote cellular proliferation, tissue growth, and anabolic processes. The entire axis is tightly regulated by negative feedback loops involving both GH and IGF-1, ensuring homeostatic control over these powerful metabolic signals.
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