Administration of GHRH stimulates a brisk release of GH after intravenous injection (Fig. 1.18). GHRH has been used to treat GH deficiency in hypopituitary patients with short stature. It can stimulate GH secretion in many patients with GH deficiency due to proven hypothalamic disease, or in the syndrome of idiopathic GH deficiency.
The most common form of acquired GH deficiency is due to hypothalamic disease or rupture of the pituitary stalk. Most cases of ΓÇÿidiopathicΓÇÖ GH deficiency are of hypothalamic origin. In theory, such cases could be treated with GHRH as well as with GH.
