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Physiology
Because of protein homology, Bovine Growth Hormone (GH) cross-reacts with the
receptors of prolactin and placental lactogen — two hormones that stimulate the
mammary tissue of a mature lactating cow in good health to produce more milk.
Protein hormones are large. The hormone does not pass through the placenta to
fetal calves. It does not pass through the lining of the digestive system, and
is broken down in the digestive system.
The sequence and 3D structure of the bovine growth hormone protein are different
from the human growth hormone protein. Protein hormones require a "lock and key"
type interaction with other compounds in the body to function, so any changes in
sequence or structure would inhibit function. In other words, BGH will not
function as a human growth hormone.
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