Growth Hormone‐Releasing Hormone: Discovery, Regulation, and Actions

Abstract The sections in this article are: Historical Aspects Biological Evidence for a Hypothalamic Growth Hormone–Releasing Factor Purification Anatomical Localization Central Nervous System Extracranial Atypical Molecular Biology and Chemistry of Hypothalamic Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Gene Expression Peptide Processing Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Actions Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Receptor Signal‐Transduction Pathways Regulation of Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Receptor Synthesis and Activity Additional Actions Regulation of Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Synthesis and Secretion Hypothalamic Negative‐Feedback Effects of Growth Hormone Glucocorticoids Gonadal Steroids Neurotransmitters Signal‐Transduction Pathways which Lead to Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Release Ontogenesis and Senescence of the Hormone‐Receptor System Metabolic Changes Future Directions