Abstract: A diagnostic protocol and kit for evaluating pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretory capability as a means to identify the etiology of GH deficiency in children and adults is disclosed. The inventive protocol includes measuring GH secretion, provoked by independent, sequential administration of the xenobiotic GH releasing hexapeptide (GHRP-6) or any of its peptidyl or non-peptidyl synthetic analogues (GHRX) that release GH by the same cellular mechanism as GHRP-6 followed by the naturally occurring GH releasing hormone or its analogues (GHRH) to children and adults afflicted with disorders related to GH deficiency. After evaluating the effects of independent, sequential administration of the GH secretagogues upon changes in blood GH concentrations, the effect of the co-administered GH secretagogues on blood GH concentrations in the child or adult subject is then measured.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of hypersecretion of prolactin in a patient which comprises co-administration of an effective amount of a growth hormone releasing compound and GHRP-6 or an analog thereof.

Abstract: A patient thought to have a hypoactive pituitary or a pituitary that secretes a normal amount of growth hormone in abnormal patterns is given an intravenous bolus of somatostatin at the beginning of a test period. The bolus is followed by an infusion of somatostatin for a two hour period. The infusion is terminated and an intravenous bolus of growth hormone releasing hormone is then administered. The test is performed during the patient's waking hours and a blood sample is taken every twenty minutes to monitor the amount of growth hormone in the patient's bloodstream. The patient is diagnosed based upon the amount of growth hormone released during the treatment, and the rebound rate of growth hormone secretion after suppression. The somatostatin part of the procedure also has utility in connection with the diagnosis of differing types of gigantism and acromegaly.

Abstract: Somatostatin, a growth hormone suppressant, is administered to an individual before the growth hormone secretion of that individual is provoked. The somatostatin is applied first in bolus form and the bolus administration is followed by a prolonged adminstration of the somatostatin. Both the bolus and the subsequent adminstration of growth hormone suppressant can be administered intravenously. This procedure insures that the growth hormone secretion of the individual's pituitary gland will be reduced to a minimum, thereby insuring that the results of subsequent provocative tests will be standardized and thus interpreted more consistently.

Abstract: A diagnostic method whereby the sensitivity of inhibition of nocturnal growth hormone secretion by a growth hormone inhibiting factor is tested. The inhibiting factor or hormone, somatostatin is introduced into the bloodstream of sleeping children with classical GH deficiency, growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction, and related disorders. The degree of suppression of the growth hormone secretion is studied to diagnose each child's condition preparatory to beginning a treatment program.