IGF-1
Also known as: Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 · somatomedin C
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 — the hormone through which much of growth hormone’s effect is actually carried out.
IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) is a hormone produced largely by the liver in response to growth hormone. Many of GH’s downstream effects on tissue growth and repair are actually mediated by IGF-1.
Because GH secretagogues raise the body’s own GH, IGF-1 is a common downstream marker in growth-hormone-axis research. It also gives the axis feedback: high IGF-1 signals back to reduce further GH release.
ON THIS SITE
RELATED TERMS
Growth Hormone (GH)
The pituitary hormone driving growth, repair and metabolism; the target of secretagogue rather than direct-supply research.
GHRH
Growth-Hormone-Releasing Hormone — the hypothalamic hormone that signals the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Secretagogue
A substance that prompts a gland to secrete a hormone — e.g. a GH secretagogue triggers the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Pituitary Gland
The "master gland" at the base of the brain that releases growth hormone and other hormones on hypothalamic command.
Educational content, not medical advice. All products supplied for research purposes only — not for human consumption.