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

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

Nicole M Ashpole  1 , Jessica E Sanders  1 , Erik L Hodges  1 , Han Yan  1 , William E Sonntag  2
Affiliations
Review

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

Nicole M Ashpole et al. Exp Gerontol. 2015 Aug.

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Age-dependent changes in IGF-1 signaling
Average levels of protein (A) and mRNA (B-C) of the IGF-1 signaling proteins at various ages in F344 x BN rats. Data is normalized to the 3 month baseline and represented as mean±SEM (n=16–40). * indicates significant difference compared to 3 month control, *p<0.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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