Gigantism continued...

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GH acts on special cells in the liver, leading to the release into the blood stream a hormone called insulin-like Growth Factor. ( IGF-1) Both IGF-1 and GH are important for bone and muscle growth.

Normal Control of GH Production :

A part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls the amount of GH production

by sending chemicals down the pituitary gland. These chemicals are called

neuropeptides. The main chemical that stimulates GH released is called the growth hormone releasing hormone called GHRH.