[Growth or somatotrophic hormone: new perspectives in isolated GH deficiency after description of the mutation in the GHRH receptor gene in individuals of Itabaianinha County, Brazil].

In addition to stimulating body growth, growth or somatotrophic hormone plays an important role in metabolism, body composition, lipid profile, cardiovascular status and longevity. Its control is multiregulated by hormones, metabolites and hypothalamic peptides. Obtained data of the isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) after the description of the IVS1+1G-->A GHRH receptor gene mutation in individuals of Itabaianinha County are reviewed.