INCREASE OF SERUM GROWTH HORMONE-BINDING PROTEIN IN PATIENTS WITH OSSIFICATION OF THE POSTERIOR LONGITUDINAL LIGAMENT OF THE SPINE

Serum growth hormone-binding protein (GHBP) was measured in 26 patient s with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the spin e (OPLL) and 19 age-matched controls. Serum GHBP level was significant ly higher in the OPLL group than in the controls, whereas there was no statistical difference between the two groups in serum level of growt h hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, and IGF-2. These result s, taken together with the hypothesis that serum GHBP reflects the num ber of GH receptors in tissue, suggest that GH receptors are increased in patients with OPLL.