[Pathogenesis of functional retardation of physical and sexual development in adolescents. Status of somatotropic and gonadotropic function].

A study of somatotropic and gonadotropic functions in male adolescents with functional retardation of physical and sexual development has shown an important role of the deficiency of gonadotropins, especially FSH, in the pathogenesis of this condition. LH secretion in retarded physical development (RPD) is lowered to a lesser degree and positively correlates with testosterone deficiency. The feedback in the hypothalamohypophyseogonadal function in RPD is less frequently affected and to a lesser degree than gonadotropic functions. Of the tested methods (tests with TRH, L-DOPA and bromocriptine) STH reserves are better revealed with L-DOPA and TRH tests, gonadotropic reserves, especially LH,--with TRH and bromocriptine tests. The stimulating TRH effect on the growth hormone is indicative of the versatility and nonspecificity of its action on the pituitary gland in functional developmental disorders.