Perinatal growth and plasma GH profiles in adolescent and adult sheep

Poor prenatal growth is associated with limited evidence of GH deficiency in adult humans, which may contribute to their increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. We therefore examined the effects of placental restriction of fetal growth (PR) on size at birth, neonatal fractional growth rate (FGR) and the circulating GH profile in adolescent and young adult sheep of both sexes. Moderate or severe PR decreased birth size and increased neonatal FGR of weight, crown-rump length and abdominal circumference. In adolescent males, mean and baseline GH concentrations correlated negatively and independently with birth weight and FGR of weight, and mean GH concentrations correlated negatively with current weight. In young adult males, mean GH concentrations correlated negatively and independently with birth shoulder height and FGR of shoulder height whilst, in young adult females, these correlations were positive. This suggests that restricted fetal growth and reduced neonatal growth rate in sheep are followed by elevated circulating GH in adolescent and adult males, but GH deficiency or increased GH clearance in adult females.