Background: GC-s retard growth via their catabolic effect, direct inhibition of bone formation and distrubance of the GH-releasing hormone-GH-IGF-I axis. GH has anabolic and growth promoting effect in children with or without GH deficiency.

Subjects, methods: 150 g female uremic (U) or control (C) rats were treated with methylprednisolone (MP), GH and IGF-I alone or in combination. GH-IGF-I hormonal axis, bone histology, growth and metabolic parameters were determined.

Results: MP depressed food utilization, weight and length gain(L), and suppressed the secretion of GH. Both GH and IGF-I compensated these negative effects of MP (L in U: MP:1.4±0.2, MP+GH:2.4±0.2, MP+IGF-I:2.5±0.1 cm). Combination of IGF-I and GH led to additive growth-promoting effect. Concomitant GH attenuated the severe hypoglycemia caused by IGF-I alone (serum glucose 2 hours after injections: IGF-I: 49.2±21.6, IGF-I+GH: 81.3±24.7 mg/dl).

Conclusion: GH and IGF-I alone or in combination are effective to antagonize steriod-induced growth stunting, and may become a new treatment for the future.