Pathology Flashcards
1
Q
How can pinealomas cause precocious puberty?
A
Synthesis and secretion of melatonin are increased in the dark via input from norepinephrine secreted by postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland from the amino acid tryptophan. Pinealomas (tumors of the pineal gland) that destroy the pineal gland and reduce secretion of melatonin and cause hypothalamic damage may cause precocious puberty by removing the inhibitory effect of melatonin on the pituitary response to gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
