08 Pituitary Physiology and Diagnostic Investigation

Question 1

Normal weight of pituitary gland

Answer 1

600 mg (400-900)

Question 2

Normal dimensions of pituitary gland

Answer 2

Transverse 13 mm
Vertical height 6-9 mm
Anteroposterior 9 mm

Question 3

Contractile internal capillary plexus in the pituitary

Answer 3

Gomitoli

Question 4

Entire hypophyseal portal system is established by __ weeks

Answer 4

20 weeks

Question 5

Rieger syndrome is caused by mutations in this gene

Answer 5

PITX2

Question 6

Protein that is prerequisite for POMC expression in corticotroph cells

Answer 6

TBX19

Question 7

Highest levels of PRL secretion occur at what time time in the day?

Answer 7

During sleep

Question 8

Lowest levels of PRL secretion occur at what time time in the day?

Answer 8

Between 10 AM and 12 PM

Question 9

Cardiovascular risk profile component that does not improve with GH treatment in GH deficiency

Answer 9

Insulin resistance

Question 10

ACTH secretion begins to rise and peaks at what time?

Answer 10

4 AM, peaking before 7 AM

Question 11

Nadir of ACTH and cortisol

Answer 11

Between 11 PM and 3 AM

Question 12

Most common genetic cause of combined pituitary hormone deficiency

Answer 12

Mutations in PROP1

Question 13

Principal molecular cause of congenital neonatal isolated ACTH deficiency

Answer 13

Mutations in TBX19