Pituitary

Question 1

Which hypothalamic hormones have a positive effect on pituitary gland and which have a negative effect?

Answer 1

Positive:

• GnRH
• CRH
• TRH
• GRH

Negative:
-PIH/dopamine (prolactin inhibiting hormone)

Question 2

Which hormones are released from the anterior pituitary and which are released from the posterior pituitary?

Answer 2

Anterior:

• FSH/LH
• ACTH
• TSH
• GH
• Prolactine

Posterior:

• Arginine vasopressin (ADH)
• Oxytocin

Question 3

What are the 2 main classifications of pituitary tumour? What is the difference between them in terms of pathology?

Answer 3

Non-functioning
-mass effect of tumour has clinical implications BUT only when tumour classified as macroadenoma (>10mm)
Eg= headaches/bitemporal hemianopia/hypopituitarism

Functioning
-hypersecretion of pituitary hormone dependent on cell type of tumour

Question 4

What are the different conditions associated with functioning pituitary tumour and which hormone is in excess?

Answer 4

Cushing’s disease= ACTH

Acromegaly= GH

Secondary hyperthyroidism= TSH

Hyperprolactinaemia= Prolactin