Endocrinology
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High doses of GH, used to induce anabolism in prolonged critically ill patients, unexpectedly increased mortality. To further explore underlying mechanisms, a valid animal model is needed. Such a model is presented in this study. ⋯ PRL secretion was impaired in the critically ill animals exclusively on d 8. TSH and PRL responses to GHRP-2 and TRH were increased only on d 1. In conclusion, this rabbit model of acute and prolonged critical illness reveals several of the clinical, biochemical, and endocrine manifestations of the human counterpart.