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Neuroendocrine control of GH release during acute aerobic exercise

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Abstract

GH secretion declines with aging and is decreased in conditions such as obesity. Several physiologic factors alter pulsatile GH secretion, including age, gender, body composition, regional distribution of fat and in particular abdominal visceral fat, sleep, nutrition, exercise and serum concentrations of gonadal steroids, insulin and IGF-I. Acute aerobic exercise is a powerful stimulus to GH release. Available studies suggest that intensity and duration of acute exercise, fitness, and training state may all influence, in part, the GH response to exercise. Intensity of exercise plays a key role in GH response to exercise. In the present paper we will discuss the GH response during acute aerobic exercise with a focus on exercise intensity and GH release. We will also provide an overview of the neuroendocrine control of exercise-induced GH release. Finally, information related to the effects of aging and gender on the GH response to exercise will be provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, General Clinical Research Center, USA

    A. Weltman PhD & J. Y. Weltman

  2. Department of Human Services, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

    A. Weltman PhD

  3. Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

    L. Wideman

  4. Department of Internal Medicine and Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    J. D. Veldhuis

Authors
  1. A. Weltman PhD
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  2. L. Wideman
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  3. J. Y. Weltman
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  4. J. D. Veldhuis
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Correspondence to A. Weltman PhD.

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Weltman, A., Wideman, L., Weltman, J.Y. et al. Neuroendocrine control of GH release during acute aerobic exercise. J Endocrinol Invest 26, 843–850 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03345234

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