Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 and the aging brain

Exp Gerontol. 2015 Aug:68:76-81. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2014.10.002. Epub 2014 Oct 7.

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 regulate the development and function of cells throughout the body. Several clinical diseases that result in a decline in physical and mental functions are marked by mutations that disrupt GH or IGF-1 signaling. During the lifespan there is a robust decrease in both GH and IGF-1. Because GH and IGF-1 are master regulators of cellular function, impaired GH and IGF-1 signaling in aging/disease states leads to significant alterations in tissue structure and function, especially within the brain. This review is intended to highlight the effects of the GH and IGF-1 on neuronal structure, function, and plasticity. Furthermore, we address several potential mechanisms through which the age-related reductions in GH and IGF-1 affect cognition. Together, the studies reviewed here highlight the importance of maintaining GH and IGF-1 signaling in order to sustain proper brain function throughout the lifespan.

Keywords: Aging; Brain; GH; IGF-1; Neuroendocrine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aging / metabolism
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Child
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Growth Hormone / pharmacology
  • Growth Hormone / physiology*
  • Human Growth Hormone / deficiency
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Human Growth Hormone / physiology
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Rats
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Growth Hormone