Human growth hormone, also called somatotropin, is a protein hormone of 190 amino acids (building blocks of protein) that is created and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It has two types of effects, both of which are highly beneficial to the vital, active human body.
One main type of action of the HGH is its direct effects on other kinds of cells. The growth hormone binds to its receptor on target cells, then creates some particular action. Fat cells, for example, are the target cells of HGH, so they have growth hormone receptors. Once bonded there, the growth hormone causes them to break down triglyceride and suppresses their ability to take up and accumulate circulating lipids — in other words, fat storage is prevented!
HGH also acts to create other indirect effects in the body by causing secretion of IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor hormone. IGF-1 is secreted from the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone. This is the action that governs mostly growth-related effects of HGH.
This same effect is also the power behind muscle growth. It stimulates both the differentiation and proliferation of muscle cells, stimulates amino acid uptake and synthesizes protein in muscle and other tissues. This is where HGH’s ability to influence overall muscle and skin tone comes from.
Growth hormone has important effects on:
- Protein metabolism:
HGH causes increased amino acid uptake, increased protein synthesis and decreased oxidation of proteins. - Fat metabolism:
HGH enhances the utilization of fat — gives your body the ability to break down fat cells more efficiently. - Carbohydrate metabolism:
HGH is one of several hormones that maintain blood sugar within a normal range.