Introduction
Hyperpituitarism is the result of excess secretion of adenohypophyseal trophic hormones. Hypopituitarism is the decreased secretion of one or more of the pituitary hormones. If there is decreased secretion of most pituitary hormones, this condition is called panhypopituitarism (pan meaning "all").
Historical Background The pituitary was known by Galen, and various theories were proposed about its role in the body. In the late 19th century, acromegaly is caused by pituitary tumors was described. In 1914, Simmonds reported pituitary necrosis in a woman with severe puerperal sepsis caused hypopituitarism. In 1932, Cushing documented the presence of small pituitary adenomas with clinical features of adrenocortical hyperfunction. Most of the classic causes of hypopituitarism were described in the 20th century. Discussion
Anatomy of the pituitary gland Pituitary gland has two distant parts such as anterior and posterior lobes. Between there is a small, relatively avasacular zone called the pars intermedia. This intermediate lobe is absent in human beings. Pituitary gland lies in the sella turcica at the base of the brain and is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk.
Hormones of pituitary gland (Hypophysis) Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, thyrotropin), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, corticotropin), lutenizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin and growth hormone (hGH). Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) secretes arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin. Intermediate lobe cells, corticotropes of the anterior pituitary, the hypothalamus and some other tissues synthesize pro-opio melano cortin (POMC). In the intermediate lobe, POMC is further hydrolysed into β-endohin, α - melanocyte stimulating hormone, corticotropin like intermediate lobe peptide and γ – LPH.
Hyperpituitarism
Hyperpituitarism is the result of