Somatotropes

Somatotropes are endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland that produce and secrete growth hormone (GH or somatotropin). GH secretion is stimulated by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and inhibited by somatostatin from the hypothalamus. GH promotes growth in children by stimulating liver production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and has metabolic effects in adults (e.g., lipolysis).