The role of growth hormone in hippocampal function.

Growth hormone is a multifunctional molecule with broad cellular targets. This pituitary hormone is currently used as a therapeutic agent against several brain injuries due to its neurotrophic activity. The hippocampus is one of the brain regions where the growth hormone plays a role in normal and pathologic conditions. This brain structure is associated with several cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and mood, which are frequently affected by brain traumatism. The present chapter describes the experimental and clinical evidence that supports a central role of growth hormone in the hippocampus functionality.