A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF GROWTH HORMONE AND OF INSULIN ADMINISTRATION

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Effects of growth hormone and of insulin administration on 2 liver transaminases, blood urea, amino N and sugar, and on carcass composition were examined in intact female rats. Data obtained illustrate that the biochemical effects of these 2 hormones are quite distinct. Although these hormones, in the dosages employed, produced almost identical body weight increases, the gain in insulin-treated animals was nearly accounted for by fat deposition, whereas the growth hormone-treated rats retained protein and moisture and showed a net loss of fat. The changes in carcass composition suggest that growth hormone-treated rats exhibit an increased catabolism of fat to provide energy and spare protein. Insulin-treated rats simply store an excess caloric intake as body fat.