Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology
09:48

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

Anterior pituitary hormone effects on hepatic functions in infants with congenital hypopituitarism

Wikrom Karnsakul1, Pairunyar Sawathiparnich, Saroj Nimkarn

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506-9214, USA. wkarnsakul@hsc.wvu.edu

Annals of Hepatology
|May 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hypopituitarism can cause neonatal cholestasis in infants. Glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone replacement therapy helped resolve cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly, but further monitoring is advised.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Congenital hypopituitarism is a rare cause of neonatal cholestasis.
  • The impact of anterior pituitary hormones on liver function in neonates is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of anterior pituitary hormones in neonatal cholestasis.
  • To evaluate the effects of hormone replacement therapy on cholestasis and liver function in infants with congenital hypopituitarism.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical charts of eight infants with congenital hypopituitarism and neonatal cholestasis.
  • Analysis of endocrinological investigations, eye examinations, and MRI findings.
  • Assessment of treatment outcomes following hormone replacement therapy.

Main Results:

  • Eight infants (4 male, 4 female) presented with cholestatic jaundice and subsequently developed anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies.
  • Common clinical signs included hypoglycemia, ocular abnormalities, and microphallus; septo-optic dysplasia was prevalent (5/8 cases).
  • Cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly resolved in most infants after glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone replacement, though transaminase levels remained elevated. Cortisol deficiency and hypoglycemia were universal. Hyperlipidemia persisted in one case.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid and thyroid hormones are crucial for resolving cholestasis and hepatosplenomegaly in infants with congenital hypopituitarism.
  • Persistently elevated transaminases and hyperlipidemia post-treatment may necessitate long-term follow-up or growth hormone therapy.
  • Growth hormone deficiency treatment was limited by factors including hypoglycemia resolution, infant age, and financial constraints.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland06:53

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

Published on: November 16, 2017

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas07:43

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

Published on: January 17, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The Pituitary Gland01:17

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.
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:23

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...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...