Question

The anterior pituitary gland facilitates growth of an individual by release of the human growth hormone $(HGH)$ which in turn is regulated by two hormones namely growth hormone releasing hormone $(GHRH)$ and growth hormone inhibiting hormone $(GHIH)$. Imbalance of these hormones could result in gigantism, dwarfism or acromegaly. Interpret the data given below and select the appropriate statement.

Individual	Age group	Hormones released
$1$	$2$-$5$ yrs.	Excessive $GHRH$
$2$	$2$-$5$ yrs.	Normal $GHRH$
$3$	$30$-$35$ yrs.	Excessive $GHRH$
$4$	$30$-$35$ yrs.	Excessive $GHIH$
$5$	$2$-$5$ yrs.	Excessive $GHIH$

• A. $1$ and $3$ will lead to gigantism while $4$ and $5$ will show dwarfism
• B. $3$ will show gigantism, $1$ will show acromegaly and $4$ and $5$ will show dwarfism
• C. $2$, $3$ and $4$ will show normal growth
• D. $1$ will show gigantism, $3$ will show acromegaly and $5$ will show dwarfism

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Growth hormone $(GH)$ stimulates body growth by promoting the synthesis and deposition of proteins in tissues and growth of bones and muscles. Its deficient secretion at an early stage causes dwarfism while its excessive secretion from childhood causes gigantism. Its oversecretion in adulthood produces acromegaly.