Somatotropin is also better known as the Human Growth Hormone or HGH. It stimulates growth through multiplication of cells, in human beings. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and it belongs to the peptide group. However, these days this hormone is synthesized in biotechnology labs with the help of a technique called recombinant DNA technology. Extraction of this hormone from the pituitary glands led to a lot of controversies as it was found to be unethical. However, in the year 2004, FDA approved the use of growth hormone injections in hormone therapies.
Some children may suffer due to growth hormone deficiency due to various reasons. Sometimes, it may be due to genetic factors and this may lead to stunted growth in children. However, HGH deficiency could also be acquired. This may happen when there is damage caused to the pituitary gland due to exposure to radiation or due to accidents. When there is damage to the pituitary gland, it may cease to secrete the growth hormone. Apart from this there are a number of reasons such as brain tumor, cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, auto immune disorders etc. that may cause growth hormone deficiency.
Under such circumstances, there is no other choice but to treat children by administering growth hormone injections. These injections normally target the receptor cells thereby triggering the signal transduction pathway in the body. The hormones then act in two different cycles. In the first cycle the hormones bind with the receptor cells directly and in the second cycle it is indirect. In this cycle, the hormones are released in a pulsed manner while the child is asleep. The child will gain about a couple of inches each year once these injections are administered.
Sometimes, the growth hormone injections are administered on body builders in order to increase muscle mass. Since the function of the pituitary gland goes down with age, some people end up supplementing the same through the use of these injections.
Growth hormone injections must be used cautiously and only in case of actual deficiencies and it should never be misused. Since there are a number of side effects, it has to be used under medical supervision.