Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...

Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination

Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination

The hypothalamus is a small yet highly complex and essential brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Anatomically, it is located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and below the thalamus, forming part of the limbic system.
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...

The Pituitary Gland

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Interictal thalamocortical network configuration is associated with susceptibility to seizure-related impaired consciousness in focal epilepsy.

NeuroImage·2026

Same author

Closed-loop stimulation modulates attention shifting in children.

Nature neuroscience·2026

Same author

Hemispheric endovascular embolization in an infant with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex -related Hemimegalencephaly: An endovascular alternative to hemispherectomy.

Seizure·2026

Same author

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of epileptic spasms: Comparative analysis of 277 patients by age at onset (<1 year, 1-2 years, >2 years).

Seizure·2026

Same author

Association of Brain Network Perturbations With Response to Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Children With Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy.

Neurology·2026

Same author

Closed-loop modulation of sleep in children undergoing intracranial recordings.

Cell reports. Medicine·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Hypothalamic hamartoma.

Kazunori Arita¹, Kaoru Kurisu, Yoshihiro Kiura

¹Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Japan. karita@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Neurologia Medico-Chirurgica

|May 26, 2005

Summary

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are increasingly diagnosed due to advanced imaging. New surgical and medical treatments offer improved outcomes for seizures and precocious puberty in HH patients.

More Related Videos

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Published on: April 12, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Published on: April 12, 2024

Area of Science:

Neurology
Pediatric Endocrinology
Neurosurgery

Background:

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are congenital malformations. Their incidence has risen with improved diagnostic imaging, particularly magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
The exact causes and mechanisms behind HHs and their associated symptoms are still under investigation.
Recent advancements in electrophysiology, neuroimaging, and clinical research provide valuable insights into HHs.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current classifications, pathophysiologies, and treatment modalities for hypothalamic hamartomas.
To highlight the impact of categorizing HHs by hypothalamic involvement on prognosis and treatment strategies.
To discuss the evolving therapeutic landscape for HHs, including surgical and medical interventions.

Main Methods:

Review of recent electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and clinical studies.
Analysis of current classifications and pathophysiological data for HHs.
Evaluation of established and emerging treatment strategies for HHs and their symptoms.

Main Results:

Categorization of HHs based on hypothalamic involvement aids in predicting prognosis and guiding treatment.
Surgical interventions targeting the hamartoma itself (e.g., removal, disconnection, stereotactic irradiation, radiofrequency lesioning) are effective for intractable seizures.
Long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists provide safe and effective control of precocious puberty in HH patients.

Conclusions:

Effective treatment of HHs can lead to seizure cessation or reduction, alongside improvements in cognitive and behavioral status.
Advancements in understanding HH pathogenesis and developing safe treatments may enable earlier interventions, preserving cognitive function and quality of life.
Continued research into hypothalamic hamartomas is crucial for refining diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.