The Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Doron ◽  
Jose E Cohen ◽  
Iddo Paldor
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Portal System ◽  
Balance Growth ◽  
Sexual Drive ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Physiologic Function ◽  
And Function

The pituitary gland is the main point where the neural and endocrine systems function in continuity, maintaining homeostasis of many functional elements of the human body. Located inside the sella turcica, it is separated from the rest of the central nervous system (CNS); however, it plays a crucial part in the regulation of the fundamental endocrine profile, inhibiting or promoting CNS signaling to the rest of the human body. Made up of two distinct tissue subtypes, this gland is fed by a complex vascular network, which enables communication beyond the blood-brain barrier. Lying in close proximity to both important neural and vascular structure, changes in gland size and function result in significant clinical impact. The pituitary gland controls many processes, among which are thermoregulation; metabolism and metabolic rate; glucose, solute, and water balance; growth and development; blood pressure; and sexual drive, pregnancy, childbearing, birth, and breast-feeding. The devastating effects of pituitary dysfunction underscore the importance of the pituitary gland in maintenance of the various functions that underlie normal everyday human activity. This review covers the basic aspects of pituitary gland development, anatomy, and physiologic function. This review contains 3 figures, and 38 references, Key words: adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, pituitary-hypothalamic axis, pituitary portal system, sella turcica

The Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Doron ◽  
Jose E Cohen ◽  
Iddo Paldor
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Portal System ◽  
Balance Growth ◽  
Sexual Drive ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Physiologic Function ◽  
And Function

The pituitary gland is the main point where the neural and endocrine systems function in continuity, maintaining homeostasis of many functional elements of the human body. Located inside the sella turcica, it is separated from the rest of the central nervous system (CNS); however, it plays a crucial part in the regulation of the fundamental endocrine profile, inhibiting or promoting CNS signaling to the rest of the human body. Made up of two distinct tissue subtypes, this gland is fed by a complex vascular network, which enables communication beyond the blood-brain barrier. Lying in close proximity to both important neural and vascular structure, changes in gland size and function result in significant clinical impact. The pituitary gland controls many processes, among which are thermoregulation; metabolism and metabolic rate; glucose, solute, and water balance; growth and development; blood pressure; and sexual drive, pregnancy, childbearing, birth, and breast-feeding. The devastating effects of pituitary dysfunction underscore the importance of the pituitary gland in maintenance of the various functions that underlie normal everyday human activity. This review covers the basic aspects of pituitary gland development, anatomy, and physiologic function. This review contains 3 figures, and 38 references, Key words: adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, pituitary-hypothalamic axis, pituitary portal system, sella turcica

The Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Doron ◽  
Jose E Cohen ◽  
Iddo Paldor
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Portal System ◽  
Balance Growth ◽  
Sexual Drive ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction ◽  
Physiologic Function ◽  
And Function

The pituitary gland is the main point where the neural and endocrine systems function in continuity, maintaining homeostasis of many functional elements of the human body. Located inside the sella turcica, it is separated from the rest of the central nervous system (CNS); however, it plays a crucial part in the regulation of the fundamental endocrine profile, inhibiting or promoting CNS signaling to the rest of the human body. Made up of two distinct tissue subtypes, this gland is fed by a complex vascular network, which enables communication beyond the blood-brain barrier. Lying in close proximity to both important neural and vascular structure, changes in gland size and function result in significant clinical impact. The pituitary gland controls many processes, among which are thermoregulation; metabolism and metabolic rate; glucose, solute, and water balance; growth and development; blood pressure; and sexual drive, pregnancy, childbearing, birth, and breast-feeding. The devastating effects of pituitary dysfunction underscore the importance of the pituitary gland in maintenance of the various functions that underlie normal everyday human activity. This review covers the basic aspects of pituitary gland development, anatomy, and physiologic function. This review contains 3 figures, and 38 references, Key words: adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, pituitary-hypothalamic axis, pituitary portal system, sella turcica

scholarly journals Complement C5a receptors in the pituitary gland: expression and function

2008 ◽  
Vol 199 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Francis ◽  
B Mary Lewis ◽  
Peter N Monk ◽  
Jack Ham
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Anterior Pituitary Gland ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
C5a Receptors ◽  
Dependent Inhibition ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Complement C5a ◽  
And Function

Communication between the immune and endocrine system is important for the control of inflammation that is primarily mediated through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. The innate immune system rapidly responds to pathogens by releasing complement proteins that include the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. We previously reported the existence of C3a receptors in the anterior pituitary gland and now describe the presence of C5a receptors in the gland. C5a and its less active derivative (C5adR) can bind to its own receptor and to another receptor called C5L2. Using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, C5a receptors and C5L2 were demonstrated in the rat anterior pituitary gland and in several rodent anterior pituitary cell lines. Western blotting analysis showed that C5a stimulated the phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT but not p38; C5adR on the other hand, had no effect on any of the signal molecules investigated. The effects of C5a and C5adR on the secretion of the inflammatory molecule, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) were investigated by ELISA. Both compounds showed a dose-dependent inhibition of MIF release, 30–40% inhibition at around 35–70 nM agonist with IC50 values of around 20 nM. C5a and C5adR also stimulated ACTH secretion (up to 25%) from AtT-20DV16 cells. These data show that functional C5a receptors (C5a and C5L2) are present in the anterior pituitary gland and they may play a role in dampening down inflammation by inhibiting the release of MIF and stimulating the release of ACTH.

scholarly journals Thyroid carcinoma with atypical metastasis to the pituitary gland and unexpected postmortal diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Popławska-Kita ◽  
Marta Wielogórska ◽  
Łukasz Poplawski ◽  
Katarzyna Siewko ◽  
Agnieszka Adamska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thyroid Cancer ◽  
Thyroid Gland ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
List Type ◽  
Papillary Thyroid ◽  
Postmortem Diagnosis ◽  
Atypical Metastasis

Summary Papillary thyroid gland carcinoma is the most common type of malignancy of the endocrine system. Metastases to the pituitary gland have been described as a complication of papillary thyroid cancer in few reported cases since 1965. We report the case of a 68-year-old female patient with a well-differentiated form of thyroid gland cancer. Despite it being the most common malignant cancer of the endocrine system, with its papillary form being one of the two most frequently diagnosed thyroid cancers, the case we present is extremely rare. Sudden cardiac arrest during ventricular fibrillation occurred during hospitalization. Autopsy of the patient revealed papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, follicular variant, with metastasis to the sella turcica, and concomitant sarcoidosis of heart, lung, and mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Not only does atypical metastasis make our patient’s case most remarkable, but also the postmortem diagnosis of sarcoidosis makes her case particularly unusual. Learning points: The goal of presenting this case is to raise awareness of the clinical heterogeneity of papillary cancer and promote early diagnosis of unexpected metastasis and coexisting diseases to improve clinical outcomes. Clinicians must be skeptical. They should not fall into the trap of diagnostic momentum or accept diagnostic labels at face value. Regardless of the potential mechanisms, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the coexistence of thyroid cancer and sarcoidosis as a differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy. This case highlights the importance of the diagnostic and therapeutic planning process and raises awareness of the fact that one uncommon disease could be masked by another extremely rare disorder.

Endocrinology

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stevan R. Emmett ◽  
Nicola Hill ◽  
Federico Dajas-Bailador
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Blood Stream ◽  
Neurosecretory Cells ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Pituitary Stalk ◽  
Portal System ◽  
Pituitary Cells

The pituitary gland (hypophysis) is an endocrine organ located at the base of the skull in a bony recess, called the sella turcica, consisting primarily of an anterior (adenohypophysis) and posterior (neurohypophysis) lobe. Collectively, under the influence of the hypothalamus, these lobes control the hormone secretions responsible for growth, reproduction, behaviour/ emotion, metabolism, and homeostasis, via a complex interplay of feedback loops. Dysfunction through failed synthesis of hormones, ‘breaks’ in the feedback pathways, or receptor malfunction can have diverse effects on plasma hormone levels and, hence, end organ function. The hypothalamus is located within the base of the third ventricle in the diencephalon and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, as well as influencing emo­tion and behaviour. It is linked to the pituitary gland, which sits outside the dura, via the pituitary stalk and the hypothalamic– hypophyseal portal system. The anterior pituitary lobe makes up about 80% of the pituitary gland and is linked indirectly to the hypothalamus. It receives hormones released from neurosecretory cells in the paraventricular region of the hypothalamus, via a dense network of capillaries that make up the hypothalamic– hypophyseal portal system. These hormones subsequently bind to specific receptors on the pituitary cells to regulate a number of physio­logical processes including stress, growth, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. There are six hormones re­leased by the anterior pituitary— adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle- stimulating hor­mone (FSH)/ luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRH) (see Table 4.1). The posterior pituitary lobe is controlled via axons and nerve terminals that extend down from the hypothalamus through the pituitary stalk and into the lobe, which sub­sequently releases neurohormones (oxytocin and vaso­pressin) into the blood stream (see Table 4.2). Vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone, ADH), is essential in maintaining fluid homeostasis to ensure adequate blood volume and salt concentration. Its release is modulated by osmoreceptors (rising osmolality) in the hypothal­amus and baroreceptors (falling BP) in the cardiovascular system, and acts directly on the distal nephron to ensure water is conserved. Dysregulation of ADH may lead to conditions such as diabetes insipidus (DI) or SIADH (syn­drome of inappropriate ADH).

scholarly journals Pituitary metastases as a rare variant of intracranial metastasis

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (5-2) ◽  
pp. 332-337
Author(s):  
A. V. Osnitskaya ◽  
V. Ye. Olyushin
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Pituitary Tumors ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Visual Field Defects ◽  
Primary Malignancy ◽  
Intracranial Metastasis ◽  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Pituitary Dysfunction

Metastatiс spread of neoplasms to the pituitary gland is a relatively common finding in autopsy series of cancer patients. The majority of these patients were asymptomatic. Only 1% of all pituitary surgeries are performed to treat tumors that have metastasized to the pituitary gland. From 1993 through 2008, 3 patients with symptoms arising from tumor metastasis to the pituitary gland were evaluated at the Russian Polenov Neurosurgical Institute.Breast and lung cancers are the most common diseases that metastasize to the pituitary.In two patients, the primary malignancy was breast. In one case, the primary tumor was lung. Diabetes insipidus, anterior pituitary dysfunction, visual field defects, headache/pain, and ophthalmoplegia were the most commonly reported symptoms. Differentiation of pituitary metastasis from other pituitary tumors based on neuroimaging alone can be difficult, although certain features, such as thickening of the pituitary stalk, invasion of the cavernous sinus, and sclerosis of the surrounding sella turcica, can indicate metastasis to the pituitary gland. Although surgical series have not shown any significant survival benefits given by tumor resection, the patient's quality of life may be improved.

Melatonin Modulates Lactation by Regulating Prolactin Secretion Via Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neurons in the Hypothalamus- Pituitary System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 744-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyang Li ◽  
JingyaWei ◽  
Fengtao Ma ◽  
Qiang Shan ◽  
Duo Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Dopaminergic Neurons ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Mammary Glands ◽  
Prolactin Secretion ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stimulation Of

In-depth studies have identified many hormones important for controlling mammary growth and maintaining lactation. One of these is melatonin, which is synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland to regulate circadian rhythms, improve antioxidant capacity, and enhance immunity. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and is associated with the growth and development of mammary glands as well as initiation and maintenance of lactation. The hypothalamus-pituitary system, the most important endocrine system in the body, regulates prolactin secretion mainly through dopamine released from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. This review provides a reference for further study and describes the regulation of lactation and prolactin secretion by melatonin, primarily via the protection and stimulation of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.

Evaluation of Adrenal Cortical Function in Neonatal and Weanling Laboratory Beagle Dogs

2021 ◽  
pp. 019262332110094
Author(s):  
Janet M. Petruska ◽  
Maria Adamo ◽  
Jeffrey McCartney ◽  
Ahamat Aboulmali ◽  
Thomas J. Rosol
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Endocrine System ◽  
Beagle Dogs ◽  
Cortical Function ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Toxicity Studies ◽  
Gland Function ◽  
Common Target ◽  
Adrenal Cortical Function

The most common target organ for toxicity in the endocrine system is the adrenal gland, and its function is dependent upon the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Histopathologic examination of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland is routinely performed in toxicity studies. However, the function of the adrenal gland is not routinely assessed in toxicity studies. Assessment of adrenal cortical function may be necessary to determine whether a histopathologic finding in the adrenal cortex results in a functional effect in the test species. As juvenile toxicity studies are more commonly performed in support of pediatric indications for pharmaceuticals, it is important to establish historical control data for adrenal gland function. In this study, adrenal cortical function was assessed in control neonatal and weanling beagle dogs as part of an ongoing juvenile toxicology program. Measurements of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol prior to and following administration of exogenous ACTH, and aldosterone were conducted beginning at 2 weeks of age continuing through 26 weeks of age. Serum electrolyte concentrations were determined at 4, 13, and 26 weeks of age. Dogs as young as 2 weeks of age synthesize and secrete adrenal cortical hormones and exhibit a functional hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.

scholarly journals Metastases to the pituitary gland

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel R. Fassett ◽  
William T. Couldwell
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Gland ◽  
Diabetes Insipidus ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Tumor Resection ◽  
Sella Turcica ◽  
Pituitary Tumors ◽  
Visual Field Defects ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Pituitary Metastases

Only 1% of all pituitary surgeries are performed to treat tumors that have metastasized to the pituitary gland; however, in certain cases of malignant neoplasms pituitary metastases do occur. Breast and lung cancers are the most common diseases that metastasize to the pituitary. Breast cancer metastasizes to the pituitary especially frequently, with reported rates ranging between 6 and 8% of cases. Most pituitary metastases are asymptomatic, with only 7% reported to be symptomatic. Diabetes insipidus, anterior pituitary dysfunction, visual field defects, headache/pain, and ophthalmoplegia are the most commonly reported symptoms. Diabetes insipidus is especially common in this population, occurring in between 29 and 71% of patients who experience symptoms. Differentiation of pituitary metastasis from other pituitary tumors based on neuroimaging alone can be difficult, although certain features, such as thickening of the pituitary stalk, invasion of the cavernous sinus, and sclerosis of the surrounding sella turcica, can indicate metastasis to the pituitary gland. Overall, neurohypophysial involvement seems to be most prevalent, but breast metastases appear to have an affinity for the adenohypophysis. Differentiating metastasis to the pituitary gland from bone metastasis to the skull base, which invades the sella turcica, can also be difficult. In metastasis to the pituitary gland, surrounding sclerosis in the sella turcica is usually minimal compared with metastasis to the skull base. Treatment for these tumors is often multimodal and includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Tumor invasiveness can make resection difficult. Although surgical series have not shown any significant survival benefits given by tumor resection, the patient's quality of life may be improved. Survival among these patients is poor with mean survival rates reported to range between 6 and 22 months.

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