Which hormone inhibits growth hormone?

Somatostatin is a key regulatory hormone produced primarily by the hypothalamus and the pancreas. Its main function is to inhibit the release of several hormones, specifically growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. By doing so, somatostatin plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of growth and metabolism within the body.

This inhibitory function is essential because it prevents excessive growth hormone secretion, which can lead to conditions such as gigantism or acromegaly. Somatostatin ensures that growth hormone levels are regulated according to the body's needs, responding appropriately to factors such as nutrition, stress, and other hormonal signals.

In contrast, glucagon primarily works to raise blood glucose levels and does not directly influence growth hormone secretion. Insulin, while involved in glucose metabolism, also does not have a direct inhibitory role on growth hormone. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can influence metabolic processes and has complex interactions with growth hormone but does not inhibit its secretion in the same targeted manner as somatostatin does. Thus, somatostatin is recognized as the primary hormone responsible for inhibiting growth hormone.