Somatomedin-C and growth hormone levels in anorexia nervosa in relation to the puberal or post puberal stages.

1. Plasma concentrations of somatomedin-C and GH were determined in 21 patients diagnosed as anorexia nervosa (AN) and in 44 controls. 2. Somatomedin-C concentrations were significantly lower in pubertal AN patients than in controls, but not in post pubertal patients. 3. GH was increased in both pubertal and post pubertal AN patients, although more in pubertal AN patients. 4. Our results suggest that the hormonal alterations that appear in AN constitute a mechanism of defense against starvation. The activation of these defense mechanisms and the degree of modification produced in normal hormonal patterns depend not only on caloric intake but also on metabolic requirements.