Pituitary physiology Flashcards
What hormone produced in the hypothalamus stimualtes the release of ACTH?
CRH
What hormone produced in the hypothalamus stimulates release of TSH?
TRH
What hormone produced by the hypothalamus stimualtes release of LH/ FSH?
GnRH
What hormone produced by the hypothalamus inhibits the release of prolactin?
dopamine
What are dynamic tests?
if theres too much hormone- do test that tries to suppress the hormone; is theres too little hormone- do test that tries to stimulate the hormone
What is synacthen?
synthetic ACTH
Who shouldnt be given an insulin stress test?
patients with cardiac histories or epilepsy
How do insulin stress tests work?
supposed to induce severe hypoglycaemia and stimulate growth hormone and ACTH as part of the stress mechanism
What is a microadenoma defined as?
less than or equal to 1cm
What is a macroadenoma defined as?
greater than 1cm
What are physiological causes of raised prolactin?
breast-feeding; pregnancy; stress; sleep
What drugs can cause a raised prolactin?
dopamine antagonists; antipsychotics;antidepressants
What are pathological causes of raised prolactin?
hypothyroidism; stalk lesions; prolactinoma
What are the symptoms of a raised prolactin in females?
galactorrhoea; menstrual irregularity; ammenorrhoea; infertility
Who has the earlier presentation, males of females?
females
What are the sympomts of raised prolactin in males?
impotence; visual field abnormal; headache; anterior pituitary malfunction
How does hypothyroidism cause a raised prolactin?
no thyroxine so no negative deedback so high levels of TRH which also stimualtes PRL
What is homonymous hemianopia?
complete loss of vision in one side
What is the treatment for prolactinoma?
drugs- dopamine agonist: cabergoline