Growth hormone-releasing hormone.

The identification of GRH has been followed by an extraordinarily rapid rate of knowledge accumulation. Within a period of slightly more than 3 yr since the structure of the GRH was determined, nearly 500 papers have been published pertaining to the hormone. Extensive knowledge of its anatomy, chemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and pathology has been gathered and, in particular, studies in humans have proceeded faster than with any other of the hypophysiotropic hormones. New insights have been gained with respect to the pathogenesis of both GH deficiency and GH excess states, and the use of GRH and its analogs as diagnostic and therapeutic agents already represents a reality.