Which substance is released subsequent to growth hormone to promote anabolic effects?

After growth hormone (GH) is released from the anterior pituitary gland, it stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in promoting anabolic effects in the body, which include stimulating cell growth, increasing muscle mass, and enhancing tissue repair.

The anabolic properties of IGF-1 complement those of growth hormone by mediating many of its effects on growth and metabolism. For instance, IGF-1 promotes protein synthesis and reduces protein breakdown, thereby facilitating an increase in muscle size and strength. It also has insulin-like effects that promote glucose uptake into cells, further supporting energy metabolism and growth.

In contrast, testosterone, while an important anabolic hormone, is not a direct product of growth hormone secretion and plays a more complex role in muscle development and overall anabolic processes. Cortisol, on the other hand, is a catabolic hormone released during stress that can lead to muscle breakdown, and epinephrine is primarily involved in the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood flow, but not significantly influencing muscle growth in the same way IGF-1 does. Therefore, IGF-1 stands out as the primary mediator that