The Possible Influence of Puberty on the Release of Growth Hormone in Three Males with Apparent Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency

Three males with short stature and delayed bone ages were found to have abnormal growth hormone responses to hypoglycemia and arginine infusion before puberty. After the onset of puberty they were found to have normal GH responses to hypoglycemia and/or arginine infusion. These findings are in accord with the suggestion that androgens may influence growth hormone release in some individuals who appear to have isolated growth hormone deficiency.