The effect of synthetic fragment 31-44 of human growth hormone on glucose uptake by isolated adipose tissue.

Synthetic tetradecapeptide corresponding to amino acid sequence 31-44 of human growth hormone molecule and possessing a lipotropic activity was tested for the ability to stimulate glucose uptake by isolated epididymal fat pads of fed rats. Tetradecapeptide 31-44 (1 microgram/ml), growth hormone (1 microgram/ml) and insulin (50 microU/ml) stimulated in about equal degree the uptake of [U-14C]glucose by adipose tissue. Tissue samples were preliminary incubated for 3-4 hours in the absence of hormones to eliminate the refractoriness to the insulin-like effects of growth hormone.