Time course of the response to recombinant growth hormone in acidotic mice

Long-term administration of recombinant growth hormone (GH) increases growt h, despite persistent acidosis, in mice with carbonic anhydrase II deficien cy (CAD). In contrast, short-term administration of GH to acidotic rats fai ls to improve growth. To determine the factors affecting the rate of growth response to GH in acidosis, we analyzed serial measurements obtained durin g a randomized trial of GH in CAD mice and healthy controls. Administration of GH increased standardized growth progressively up to 5-9 weeks. These d ata suggest that assessment of the response to GH in rodents requires prolo nged administration.