Human Growth Hormone (HGH)

Antigen Background

Growth hormone (GH), somatotropin, is the primary hormone responsible for regulating overall body growth and is also important in organic metabolism. It is synthesized by acidophilic or somatotropic cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Human GH has a molecular weight of 22 kD.

GH stimulates growth indirectly by promoting the liver's production of somatomedins, which act directly on bone and soft tissue to cause growth. GH exerts direct metabolic effects on the liver, adipose tissue and muscle. In general, growth hormone enhances protein synthesis, conserves carbohydrates and uses up fat stores.

Disclaimer

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is recommended for the detection of specific antigens of interest in normal and neoplastic tissues, as an adjunct to conventional histopathology using non-immunologic histochemical stains.