Describe differences in effects of hormones of growth and metabolism in children compared to effects in adults.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

While all the hormones discussed in this chapter will have effects on adults and children, some have very specific
effects at different stages of life.
1. Cortisol provides a catabolic protective effect against hypoglycemia, enhancing the effectiveness of glucagon,
important in response to stress. In children, excess cortisol released due to stress can result in stunted growth or a
failure to thrive
2. Thyroid hormone provides substrates for oxidative metabolism in adults, but has the additional effect of
providing for full expression of growth hormone and mental development in infants and young children. In adults,
Thyroid hormones cause protein catabolism while it has anabolic effects in children. Thyroid hormone deficiency in
children will be developmentally delayed and short in stature and may have mental retardation. In adults,
hypothyroidism may cause cold-intolerance, slow reflexes, fatigue, slow heart rate, and many other conditions.
3. Growth hormone is anabolic, essential for tissue growth and maintenance. Its effects are most dramatically seen
in children (rapid growth spurts). Growth hormone deficiency causes dwarfism and excess causes giantism in
children. Acromegaly characterizes GH excess in adults.
4. Calcitonin's primary role is likely in providing normal skeletal growth in children. In adults it is important
when net bone deposition is needed, such as during pregnancy.