Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition
11:45

Functional Interrogation of Adult Hypothalamic Neurogenesis with Focal Radiological Inhibition

Published on: November 14, 2013

Suppression and recovery of the hypothalamic function after high-dose corticosteroid treatment in preterm infants

P C Ng1, C W K Lam, C H Lee

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China. pakcheungng@cuhk.edu.hk

Neonatology
|July 10, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Systemic dexamethasone suppresses hypothalamic function in preterm infants. Partial recovery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs four weeks after corticosteroid therapy cessation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology

Background:

  • High-dose systemic dexamethasone aids extubation in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • Previous studies assessed pituitary-adrenal response but not longitudinal hypothalamic function after corticosteroid treatment in very low birth weight infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To longitudinally monitor hypothalamic response before, during, and after a 3-week dexamethasone tapering course in very low birth weight infants.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty very low birth weight infants were studied.
  • Blood samples collected at weeks 0, 1, 3, and 7 for corticotropin-releasing hormone, ACTH, and cortisol levels.
  • Dexamethasone treatment involved a 3-week dose-tapering course.

Main Results:

  • Hormone levels were significantly suppressed during dexamethasone treatment (weeks 1 and 3).
  • Pituitary function recovery began early (after week 1), while hypothalamic and adrenal recovery started post-treatment.
  • At week 7, ACTH normalized, but corticotropin-releasing hormone and cortisol remained suppressed, showing partial recovery (62% and 36% of pretreatment levels, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Hypothalamic function is suppressed by systemic corticosteroids but shows partial recovery post-therapy.
  • The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in preterm infants mirrors adult responses.
  • Pituitary function recovers faster than hypothalamic and adrenal functions following dexamethasone treatment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss09:44

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Published on: January 25, 2016

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection02:22

Full-Endoscopic Surgery for Hypothalamic Hamartoma Resection

Published on: April 12, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

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.
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...