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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (typically serum or plasma) to determine the endocrine insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) hormone, also known generically as somatomedin C. IGF-I, the major insulin-like growth factor hormone, it is a peptide secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland with structural similarities to insulin. The main effects of IGF-I are cartilage growth promotion and insulin-like activity in some tissues. Increased levels of IGF-I are associated with excessive growth (e.g., acromegaly); low levels are found in patients with growth hormone deficiency or with acute or chronic protein or calorie deprivation. IGF-I determination may be performed using either isotopic or nonisotopic immunoassays.
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