[State of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems in patients with somatotropin-producing hypophyseal adenoma]

Altogether 16 persons with STH-producing hypophyseal adenoma were investigated by tacho-oscillography, total rheography, blood taken from the ulnar vein, a radioimmunoassay to determine the levels of STH, ACTH, cortisol, deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone, T3, T4, vasopressin, prostaglandin E2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and plasma renin activity. Acromegalic patients demonstrated an elevated level of STH, and prostaglandin E2 secretion was inhibited. Two groups of patients were singled out according to the hemodynamic state: the 1st group was characterized by a hyperkinetic type of circulation and normotension of borderline hypertension; the 2nd group was characterized by hypokinetic circulation, increased vascular resistance, labile or stable arterial hypertension. The interrelationship of hemodynamic and hormonal indices was unnoticed. It has been assumed that of pathogenetic importance in the development of arterial hypertension is depletion of E2 production, and at early stages--body liquid retention resulting from hypersomatotropinemia.