Pituitary Physiology Flashcards
(23 cards)
What hormones are released from the anterior pituitary?
ACTH TSH LH/FSH GH Prolactin
What hormones are released from the posterior pituitary?
ADH
Oxytocin
The peripheral hormone for ACTH is what?
Cortisol
The peripheral hormones for LH are what?
Testosterone/estradiol
The peripheral hormone for GH is what?
IGF-1
A pituitary gland tumour can compress what structure?
Optic chiasma
Optic chiasma compression can cause what?
Loss of temporal vision
If a pituitary tumour is smaller than 1cm what is it called?
Microadenoma
A pituitary tumour larger than 1cm is known as?
Macroadenoma
What cranial nerves are commonly affected by an adenoma?
CNs III, IV and VI
Dopamine secretion from the hypothalamus causes the supression of which hormone?
Prolactin
What are some causes of raised prolactin?
Breast feeding
Pregnancy
Metoclopramide
Antipsychotics
Pathological causes of raised prolactin include?
Hypothyroidism
Prolactinoma
Why do women tend to present earlier than men with hyperprolactinaemia?
As it causes them to miss their periods
What do men with raised prolactin present with?
Impotence
Headache
How is raised prolactin investigated?
Prolactin concentration
MRI pituitary
Visual fields
What is the main drug used in a patient with raised prolactin?
Cabergoline - dopamine agonist
An excess of growth hormone is known as what?
Acromegaly
What are some symptoms of acromegaly?
Hypertension
Large hands/jaw
Sleep apnoea
Vascular headaches
What tests can be done to diagnose acromegaly?
IGF-1
Glucose tolerance test
How is acromegaly treated?
Pituitary surgery
A microadenoma has better surgical prognosis than macroadenoma. True/false?
True
What drugs can be used in acromegaly?
Somatostatin analogues
GH antagonists
