[Growth hormone and doping].

Abstract

Growth hormone is widely used as a doping agent, particularly because of his anabolic and lipolytic properties. The potential benefit of large doses of growth hormone on acute exercise is not clearly demonstrated, but the associated side effects are well known. The detection of growth hormone abuse is not yet possible with the techniques available. This article describes the GH axis physiology, especially during acute exercise, the use of GH as a doping agent, as well as the difficulties and perspectives in GH doping detection.