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Journal of Tropical Pediatrics 1987 33(1):52-57; doi:10.1093/tropej/33.1.52
© 1987 by Oxford University Press
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Growth Hormone and Testosterone in Prepubescent and Adolescent Venezuelan Boys of Normal and Short Stature

S. C. Castro, MD* and A. Castro, PHD, MD**,

* Yale University School of Medicine
** University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Pathology PO Box 016960, Miami, Florida 33101, USA

Correspondence: Dr. A. Castro

Evidence to support or contradict the existence of enhancement of growth hormone secretion by testosterone was sought. Basal growth hormone and testosterone levels determined by radio-immunoassay were studied in 150 healthy, normal height boys (Group 1) and in 15 healthy, short stature boys (Group 2). The Group 2 boys were further evaluated by determination of bone age and a combined propranolol plus exercise growth hormone stimulation test.

No statistically significant correlation was found between growth hormone and chronologic age in either group. However, a statistically significant rise in basal plasma growth hormone associated with increasing bone age, increasing Tanner stage, and increasing serum testosterone was found.

Statistically significant lower mean basal plasma growth hormone levels were found in Group 2 as compared to Group 1 in all chronologic age groupings, and in all Tanner stages. No statistically significant difference was found when testosterone concentrations were compared between Group 1 and 2 in either chronologic age groupings or Tanner stages.

The finding of most importance to clinical application was the significant degree of correlation found between growth hormone and testosterone in normal subjects when Tanner staging was utilized. These data indicate that the most precise interpretation of basal plasma growth hormone and serum testosterone levels during male adolescence must include a knowledge of the patient's pubertal stage of development.


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