Growth HormoneâReleasing Hormone (GHRH, Somatocrinin)

A 44-amino-acid peptide, secreted by the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone. Useful in differentiating between a pituitary tumor and ectopic GHRH hypersecretion.

Normal range: <50 pg/mL.

Interpretation

Increased In

One percent of cases of acromegaly caused by GHRH by hypothalamus or ectopic secretion by neoplasms (e.g., pancreatic islet, carcinoid of the thymus or bronchus, neuroendocrine tumors)