Abstract
Whether or not GH can stimulate growth directly at the EP remains an important unanswered question. Several investigators have shown that the local administration of GH into the EP of hypophysectomized rats leads to linear growth. If this were true in primates, it could serve as a theoretical basis for selective bone remodeling. We studied this question in six prepubertal gonadectomized RM. Lower leg (LL) growth velocity (LLG) was assessed using a modified Valk measuring device. Baseline LL measurements were performed weekly on both legs for 14 weeks. The EP was then identified by fluoroscopy and GH was injected 3 times a week for one week into one leg while saline was injected into the other. GH was given in a dose of .4 and .8 units per injection. Each RM served as his own control. The investigators were blinded to the injection schedule.
Testosterone enanthate, as a single intramuscular dose of 2 mg/kg, was given to 3 RM as a positive control for LLG. The results of these studies, expresed as percent growth change over baseline, are presented below
It is clear from these data that in our primate model GH administered directly into the EP failed to accelerate LLG.
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Malozowski, S., Caruso-Nicoletti, M., Ren, S. et al. GROWTH HORMONE (GH) INJECTIONS DIRECTLY INTO AN EPIPHYSEAL PLATE (EP) FAIL TO STIMULATE LINEAR GROWTH IN THE RHESUS MONKEY (RM). Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 250 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00496
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00496