
Somatotropin and Somatropin (a synthetically developed growth hormone) are often confused in regard to what they are and how they function in the body. Understanding the difference between Somatropin and somatotropin is important for anyone diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that has also been recommended to undergo growth hormone therapy treatments. Click here to buy HGH online now.
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Somatotropin VS Somatropin – What’s The Difference?
At its most basic definition, somatotropin hormone is the name given to endogenous or body- produced growth hormone that is manufactured and secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
It is classified as a growth hormone responsible for the stimulation of insulin-like growth factor in the liver. That hormone is called somatomedin C. Growth factors do exactly what their name implies – they make things grow, and this growth applies to nearly every type of cell found in the human body.
Somatotropin is also classified as a peptide hormone responsible for cellular reproduction and rejuvenation, in addition to its properties as a growth hormone that initiates growth spurts, growth of long bones in the body, and growth and development of body organs.
Endogenous growth hormone (somatotropin) is also a component of numerous glandular functions that have an effect on multiple body including the endocrine, metabolic, and musculoskeletal systems.
Functions of Somatotropin
Somatotropin (endogenous) is composed of approximately 191 amino acids that are manufactured and secreted by cellular structures known as somatotrophs, located in the anterior (frontal) lobe of the pituitary gland.
They’re responsible for often complex physiological processes that involve metabolism and growth. The physiologic effects of somatotropin (human growth hormone) are classified as direct or indirect.
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The direct effects of somatotropin result from its ability to bind its receptors to target cells. This process is much like fitting a jigsaw puzzle together. The receptors on target cells must fit together in order to “link” properly and initiate specific activities.
Adipocytes (fat cells) have growth hormone receptors, and when growth hormone cells reach them, can stimulate those fat cells to break down triglycerides as well as to reduce lipid uptake capacity and accumulation.
Indirect effects of somatotropin can include processes that are moderated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the hormone manufactured in the liver whose secretions are triggered by growth hormone (GH). The presence of IGF-1 on target cells is the main effect of growth on bone and other tissues. Find out more here.
Functions of Somatropin
Somatropin is the generic name of synthetic growth hormone (exogenous or produced outside of the body) often used in the treatment of growth hormone deficiencies or growth failure in children as well as adults whose pituitary glands are not manufacturing adequate levels of growth hormone.
Growth hormone injections of somatropin produce the same effects on the body as endogenous somatotropin. Somatropin is developed utilizing recombinant DNA technologies and is known to be available in over two dozen brand-name drugs today.
Somatropin used in the treatment of numerous childhood, adolescence, and adult growth hormone deficiencies provides beneficial results, but it’s also used for nonmedical reasons (not recommended nor condoned by the medical community and numerous athletic organizations around the world) by bodybuilders and athletes.
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Some of the most common benefits associated with somatropin injections include but are not limited to:
- Increased bone mass, reducing the risk of osteoporosis while improving bone strength.
- Increased muscle mass, although individuals using somatropin for bodybuilding should know that while the drug can make muscles grow larger, it will not improve function nor strength.
- Improve energy levels and has the potential to increase endurance and stamina before, during, and after exercise or activity.
Somatotropin Side Effects & Health Risks
Endogenous somatotropin supplements rarely causes side effects in the body, although extremely high levels of growth hormone in the body can contribute to gigantism. Though rare, this is the result of overproduction of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Extremely low levels of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland can result in dwarfism.
Hormone levels must be carefully balanced in the body for optimal health and wellness as well as hormonal function. Using growth hormone injections (Somatropin) to improve physical endowment or performance is strongly discouraged by the medical community and sports associations including the International Olympic Committee.
Some of the most common side effects associated with non-prescribed usage of Somatropin include but is not limited to:
- nerve pain
- muscle pain
- joint pain
- swelling in the extremities
Excessive levels of Somatropin in the body may also contribute to a condition known as acromegaly. This condition causes deformities in the hands, the feet, and the facial structure due to unbridled growth of muscle, connective tissue, and own cells in these areas.
High dosage injections may also contribute to enlarged intestines and other organs in the body which can affect health and wellness. Learn the difference between somatotropin and Somatropin in regard to adequate levels in healthy individuals and dangers of injecting growth hormone into the body when hormone levels are already adequate.
References
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- Dobrza?ski T, Zurowski S, Graban W. Chronoendocrinological studies in athletes. Circadian rhythms of HGH and IRI. Acta Physiol Pol. 1979 Jul-Aug;30(4):499-505.
- Godfrey RJ, Madgwick Z, Whyte GP. The exercise-induced growth hormone response in athletes. Sports Med. 2003;33(8):599-613. Review.