Growth Hormone (GH) and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in the Central Nervous System: A Potential Neurological Combinatory Therapy?

Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jan 26;19(2):375. doi: 10.3390/ijms19020375.

Abstract

This brief review of the neurological effects of growth hormone (GH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the brain, particularly in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, cerebellum, spinal cord, neural retina, and brain tumors, summarizes recent information about their therapeutic potential as treatments for different neuropathologies and neurodegenerative processes. The effect of GH and GnRH (by independent administration) has been associated with beneficial impacts in patients with brain trauma and spinal cord injuries. Both GH and GnRH have demonstrated potent neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and neuroregenerative action. Positive behavioral and cognitive effects are also associated with GH and GnRH administration. Increasing evidence suggests the possibility of a multifactorial therapy that includes both GH and GnRH.

Keywords: CNS; GH; GnRH; extrahypothalamic; extrapituitary; neuroprotection; neuroregeneration; neurotrophic; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / metabolism*
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Growth Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Growth Hormone