No abstract

The growth rates of a series of physically and mentally retarded male patients aged 7½ – 13½ years were studied before, during, and after treatment with human chorionic gonadotrophin. HCG was given for two to seven months and a final check was made one to three years after treatment stopped. The rate of growth of the patients was considerably increased during treatment, frequently exceeding that seen during a normal pubertal growth spurt. Although the growth rate decreased after treatment stopped, it remained above the pre-treatment level. No evidence of premature epiphyseal closure was seen. The majority of the patients achieved a higher height and weight percentile. Changes in blood alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus and calcium were measured and were similar to those seen after treatment with human growth hormone. The acute effect of an injection of HCG on plasma non-esterified fatty acids was different from that reported for human growth hormone since no change was seen in the rise of free fatty acids during fasting. It is assumed that treatment with HCG triggers the endogenous production of steroids which, in their turn, stimulate pituitary anterior lobe activity.