In the functioning of the nervous system (NS), especially in the brain, various molecules of diverse nature participate, both of the endocrine and autocrine-paracrine origins. Growth hormone (GH) has a very particular place among these molecules. Originally described as a secreted product of the pituitary gland, with various peripheral targets on which it exerts both direct and indirect effects, this hormone is also secreting in an autocrine manner in a wide variety of organs, including the brain.
Research on the role of GH in the nervous system (NS) has a long history. From its presence in the developing brain, even prior to the formation of the pituitary gland, to its specific localization in the adult brain. This peptide hormone has been related to neural precursors regulation, neuronal plasticity, and, ultimately, behavior. Moreover, research on the role of this hormone has made it possible to venture into therapeutic use from NS trauma to neurodegenerative processes.
Despite the above, mechanisms by which this hormone favors recovery from NS damage and improves cognitive functions are still unclear. As well as the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of the interaction between autocrine GH and exogenous GH.
In this topic research, we would like to address the following topics:
• GH regulation of neural stem cell biology and its relationship to impaired NS function.
• GH regulation of synaptic and structural neuronal plasticity and its relationship to the damaged brain.
• GH in the regulation of cognitive functions in the damaged brain.
The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic effect of GH in the repair of the damaged NS, considering that this is an area of developing research.
To do this, we seek to collect works by researchers addressing the topics mentioned above, both basic and clinical research, in the form of original articles or reviews.
In the functioning of the nervous system (NS), especially in the brain, various molecules of diverse nature participate, both of the endocrine and autocrine-paracrine origins. Growth hormone (GH) has a very particular place among these molecules. Originally described as a secreted product of the pituitary gland, with various peripheral targets on which it exerts both direct and indirect effects, this hormone is also secreting in an autocrine manner in a wide variety of organs, including the brain.
Research on the role of GH in the nervous system (NS) has a long history. From its presence in the developing brain, even prior to the formation of the pituitary gland, to its specific localization in the adult brain. This peptide hormone has been related to neural precursors regulation, neuronal plasticity, and, ultimately, behavior. Moreover, research on the role of this hormone has made it possible to venture into therapeutic use from NS trauma to neurodegenerative processes.
Despite the above, mechanisms by which this hormone favors recovery from NS damage and improves cognitive functions are still unclear. As well as the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of the interaction between autocrine GH and exogenous GH.
In this topic research, we would like to address the following topics:
• GH regulation of neural stem cell biology and its relationship to impaired NS function.
• GH regulation of synaptic and structural neuronal plasticity and its relationship to the damaged brain.
• GH in the regulation of cognitive functions in the damaged brain.
The objective is to contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic effect of GH in the repair of the damaged NS, considering that this is an area of developing research.
To do this, we seek to collect works by researchers addressing the topics mentioned above, both basic and clinical research, in the form of original articles or reviews.