Growth hormone (GH) is an anabolic hormone secreted by the somatotroph cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

increases gluconeogenesis

Hypothalamic and pituitary lesions cause short stature by decreasing the growth hormone I insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-I) pathway. Short stature in growth hormone I IGF-I deficiency is proportional; that is, the axial and appendicular skeleton are proportionate.

Achondroplastic dwarfism

disproportionately short stature (short upper and lower extremities compared to the axial skeleton) and some cranial abnormalities (eg, depression of the nose root and a bulging forehead).

The most common defect in achondroplasia is the activation mutation of the “Fibroblast growth factor-receptor-3”(FGFr3) at the epiphyseal growth plate, ;

Expansion of the epiphyseal cartilage, also called the "growth plate," is responsible for linear growth. This growth is regulated by a number of factors, including hormones and cytokines. The major factors are growth hormone. IGF-I, insulin, thyroid hormone, sex steroids, and fibroblast growth factor. If fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 has an activating mutation, growth is inhibited at the epiphyseal growth plate, ultimately resulting in short, thick, tubular long bones in the appendicular (limb) skeleton. Axial (spine) length is usually normal.

See also: Rickets