The Effects of Growth Hormone on Pubertal Maturation / 대한소아내분비학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:The recombinant human growth hormone is widely used to improve short stature but it was reported that GH therapy might accelerate sexual maturation especially short girl. We tried to find out the effects of GH on pubertal progression in female rat. METHODS:In animal experiment, forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with rhGH(1U/kg). GH was given subcutaneously daily for 5weeks since 25day of life. We measured body weight and length twice a week, vaginal opening and epithelial change were observed daily. We checked the serum estrogen and insulin-like growth factor- I concentration weekly. The results were compared to 40 control female rats. RESULTS: 1) Body weight increased significantly in GH treated group(P0.1). First diestrous phase of puberty was noted on postnatal 36.8+/-1.9day and 38.3+/-3.0day, respectively(p>0.1). 4) The difference of serum E2 concentration of two group was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS:GH administration in female rats increased body weight and length without accelerating of pubertal maturation compared to control group. So GH treatment will give a good favor on final height.