Growth hormone receptor and binding protein: distribution and function.

Whilst the molecular basis for GH action remains unclear, increasingly our understanding of the critical role(s) played by the GHR and GHBP is being aided by studies on the structural forms of the GHR and GHBP, the specific mechanisms for GHBP generation, their specific cellular distribution and localization, and the nature and consequences of their independent physiological regulation. What is emerging as a result is a multi-functional model for GH action in which the GHBP, in addition to the cell membrane GHR, would appear to have an important role as an endocrine, autocrine/paracrine and possibly intracrine factor.