Mice lacking the growth hormone receptor live longest of all laboratory mice, and IGF-1 given to them tells the two hormones apart

Published 26 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
Zhou, Kopchick and colleagues generated mice lacking the growth hormone receptor in 1997. They are about half normal size, have very low IGF-1 and high growth hormone, are insulin-sensitive despite being fat, and live about 40 per cent longer than normal mice — one holds the record for laboratory mouse longevity at nearly five years. Bartke and colleagues have studied them for two decades as the mammalian model of Laron syndrome and of the longevity associated with low IGF-1 signalling. Restoring IGF-1 to them restores some growth, which separates the effects of the two hormones: what IGF-1 restores is due to IGF-1, and what it does not is due to growth hormone acting directly.

The phenotype

Proportionate dwarfism, delayed puberty, increased adiposity with paradoxically improved insulin sensitivity, low cancer incidence, and extended lifespan in both sexes. Metabolic rate is altered and the mice resist diet-induced diabetes. The picture matches the Ecuadorian Laron cohort in its outlines — short, insulin-sensitive, cancer-resistant — which is one reason the human and mouse data reinforce each other.

They were awarded a prize for mouse longevity in 2003.

The separation experiment

Giving IGF-1 to these mice, or crossing them with mice overexpressing it, partly restores growth and some organ sizes but not others, and it does not restore the direct metabolic actions of growth hormone — lipolysis, insulin antagonism — because those need the receptor the mice lack. The experiment is the in vivo complement of the dual effector theory: IGF-1 accounts for part of what growth hormone does, and growth hormone does the rest itself.

Whether restoring IGF-1 shortens their lifespan has been studied with mixed results.

Why it is here

Because it is the cleanest living system for separating IGF-1 action from growth hormone action, and both hormones are in this catalogue. It describes mouse genetics and no use of the pack.

IGF-1 LR3 is supplied by REVIVE LAB UAE for laboratory research use only, with identity and purity documented for the batch. It is not for human or veterinary use, and no dosing, administration or protocol guidance is provided.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
IGF-1 LR3 Pack1 mgAED 650In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

The phenotype?

Proportionate dwarfism, delayed puberty, increased adiposity with paradoxically improved insulin sensitivity, low cancer incidence, and extended lifespan in both sexes. Metabolic rate is altered and the mice resist diet-induced diabetes. The picture matches the Ecuadorian Laron cohort in its outlines — short, insulin-sensitive, cancer-resistant — which is one reason the human and mouse data reinforce each other.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

IGF-1 LR3 Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.