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STEROIDS AND GROWTH 

 Victor A, Drill 



G. D. SEARLE & CO. 



Genetic factors, nutrition, and hormones all influence the growth 

 process. As regards nutritional factors, there must be an adequate 

 supply of calories, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals; a 

 lack of any one material retards or distorts growth. Although all of 

 these materials are vital, certain deficiencies tend to occur more 

 abruptly and to influence growth more noticeably, so that they are 

 usually discussed among the important growth factors. A similar situa- 

 tion exists with regard to the hormones, and to the extent that any 

 hormone influences biochemical reactions, it can affect growth. Aside 

 from such generalities, it can readily be observed that certain hor- 

 mones, in addition to what endocrine effects they may have, can, 

 either by deficiency or excess, markedly affect growth. 



Growth, in terms of linear change and body weight, is primarily 

 influenced by ( 1 ) the pituitary growth hormone, ( 2 ) thyroid hormone, 

 (3) androgens, (4) estrogens, and (5) corticosteroids. Inasmuch as the 

 subject of this paper is "steroid hormones," attention will be focused 

 on androgens, estrogens, and corticosteroids; the thyroid gland will not 

 be discussed. Some mention must, however, be made of the growth 

 hormone, particularly as relationships exist with the sex steroids. 



There are many aspects of growth to be considered, and any 

 limited presentation of this large subject must of necessity be arbi- 

 trary. Inasmuch as the sex hormones are important in the growth 

 process, it is appropriate to present first a brief summary of sex and 

 growth. Secondly, linear growth and steroids will be discussed, and 

 thirdly, data on body weight and steroids. Lastly, steroids can affect 

 the weight of specific organs; namely, the reproductive organs and 

 certain organs unrelated to reproduction, such as the kidney. From 



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