Growth hormone and growth hormone gene of the American mink (Neovison vison) – the current state of knowledge of one of the key hormones in one of the most intensively economically exploited species

Despite the fact, that the American mink (Neovison vison) is one of the most intensively economically exploited and problematic, from the ecological point of view, fur-bearing animal, it remains one of the least studied livestock species. It can be proven by the fact, that the research on one of the key hormones, which has systemic effects, that is the growth hormone, are rather poorly advanced. The purpose of this review is to present the summary and the critical analysis of the current state of knowledge on the topic of the growth hormone in the American mink, its biological function, production in physiological conditions, regulation of secretion and transduction of the hormone’s signal. The article contains also an up to date information on the Amrican mink growth growth hormone gene and its protein product.