Pituitary Gland Flashcards
What are the two components of the pituitary gland?
Anterior lobe and posterior lobe.
- What hormones are produced by the anterior lobe?
ACTH, TSH, GH, FSH, LH, and prolactin.
What hormones are released by the posterior lobe?
ADH (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.
What is the function of TSH?
Stimulates synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormone.
What is the function of ACTH?
Stimulates synthesis and secretion of adrenal hormones.
What are the clinical manifestations of ACTH hyperproduction?
Cushing’s syndrome: weight gain, high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and mood changes
What is the function of growth hormone (GH)?
Stimulates growth, protein synthesis, and fat metabolism.
What are the clinical manifestations of GH hypoproduction?
Dwarfism: short stature, immature facial features, and delayed growth.
What is Laron syndrome?
Hormone resistance due to abnormal GH receptors; GH is normal but IGF-1 is deficient.
What are the clinical manifestations of GH hyperproduction?
Gigantism (children) or acromegaly (adults): enlarged bones, hands, feet, and facial features.
What are the etiologies (causes of the disease) of acromegaly?
The most common cause of acromegaly is a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Other causes include hypothalamic tumors, ectopic GHRH secretion, or rare GH-secreting tumors.
What are the symptoms of acromegaly?
Large hands/feet, splayed teeth, deep voice, hunchback, organ enlargement. Metabolic effects include insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Pituitary adenomas can cause secondary hormonal deficiencies.
Why is diabetes often seen in patients with Acromegaly?
Excess GH and IGF-1 cause fat breakdown, increased free fatty acids, and insulin resistance. This leads to impaired glucose regulation and often diabetes due to beta-cell overwork and burnout. Diabetes occurs in 12–37% of cases, with glucose issues in up to 54%.
What is the pathophysiology of acromegaly
Acromegaly is caused by excess GH and IGF-1, which stimulate abnormal tissue growth. GH increases IGF-1 secretion from the liver, leading to growth in soft tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face.
What is precocious puberty?
Early onset of puberty before 8 years (girls) or 9 years (boys).
