Can growth hormone counteract the effects of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism?

Beaufrère B. Can growth hormone counteract the effects of glucocorticoids on protein metabolism? Acta Pædiatr 1999; Suppl 428: 97–9. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5326 The size of the body's protein pool depends on the equilibrium between protein synthesis and breakdown. Glucocorticoids, the most potent catabolic hormones, act primarily by increasing protein breakdown, both in muscle and at the whole‐body level. Growth hormone (GH) counteracts the catabolic effects of glucocorticoids by stimulating protein synthesis. Part of its effects are mediated via insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I). The effects of combined GH‐IGF‐I treatment are discussed. □ Glucocorticoids, growth hormone, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor I, protein breakdown, protein synthesis