C. Veyrat-durebex et al., Peripheral injection of growth hormone stimulates protein intake in aged male and female Lou rats, AM J P-ENDO, 39(6), 1999, pp. E1105-E1111
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrinology, Nutrition & Metabolism
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
It is well established that growth hormone (GH) induces growth rate and foo
d efficiency and stimulates protein accretion in young mammals. Senescence
is characterized by metabolic and hormonal disorders, particularly a decrea
se in protein turnover, which could be correlated to a decrease in GH and i
nsulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) secretion. We have shown that body weig
ht, protein intake, and IGF-I plasma levels are greatly decreased with agin
g in Lou/C rats, particularly in males. In order to specify the GH effect o
n protein intake during aging, males and females (6, 19, and 24 mo) placed
on a self-selection regimen were injected daily with a physiological dose o
f human GH (0.023 mg/rat sc). No GH effect on caloric intake was observed.
Nevertheless, GH treatment stimulated body weight in older rats; It also in
creased protein intake in females and older males (19-24 mo). This stimulat
ing effect was positively Correlated with the degree of weight loss in sene
scent rats, suggesting that the decrease in protein intake observed with ag
ing could be a marker of senescence.