Unreferenced date December 2009 Infobox Anatomy Name Somatotropic cell Latin GraySubject GrayPage Image Caption Image2 Caption2 Precursor System Artery Vein Nerve Lymph MeshName MeshNumber Code TerminologiaHistologica 3 08 02.2.00021 Somatotropes are cells in the anterior pituitary that produce growth hormone . Description Somatotropic cells constitute 30 40 of anterior pituitary cells. They release growth hormone GH in response to Growth hormone releasing hormone GHRH, or somatocrinin or are inhibited by GHIH somatostatin , both received from the hypothalamus via the hypophyseal portal system vein and the Meissner s plexus secondary plexus . pipe link to secondary plexus needs verification Somatotrope cells are classified as Acidophile acidophilic cells. These cells take years to grow and mature very slowly. If these cells grow large enough they can impair vision, cause headaches or damage other pituitary functions. Hormone deficiency When levels of somatotropin are low in the body, a physican may prescribe human growth hormone as a drug see Growth hormone treatment . Deficiency in somatotrope secretion before puberty, or before the end of new bone tissue growth, can lead to Growth hormone deficiency pituitary dwarfism . When growth hormone is deficient, blood sugar is low because insulin is not opposed by normal amount of growth hormone. Dwarfs are usually well proportioned, but sometimes have a large head compared to the body. Hormone excess If there is an excess of growth hormone it is usually because of over secretion of somatotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland. A significant amount of excess somatotrope secretion before puberty, or before the end of new bone tissue growth, can lead to gigantism. Gigantism is a disease that causes excess growth of body e.g. being over 7 ft. tall and unusually long limbs. An excess of secretion of growth hormone after puberty can lead to acromegaly. This is a disease that causes abnormal growth in the hands, head, ... more details
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