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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.

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

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...

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

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...

The Retinoblastoma Gene

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...

The Retinoblastoma Gene

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 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

[Familial pituitary adenomas].

Maria Cristina Burlacu¹, Maria Tichomirowa, Adrian Daly

¹Service d'endocrinologie, CHU de Liège, Université de Liège, Domaine universitaire du Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgique.

Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)

|November 8, 2008

Summary

Familial pituitary adenomas, including those in multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes and familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA), present distinct genetic and clinical features compared to sporadic forms. Early screening and differentiated management are crucial for these aggressive tumors.

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Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

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Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 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

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Genetics
Oncology

Context:

Familial pituitary adenomas are rare, accounting for 3-5% of all pituitary adenomas.
They are associated with genetic syndromes like multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 4 (NEM1, NEM4) and Carney complex (CNC), as well as familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA).

Purpose:

To differentiate familial pituitary adenomas from sporadic forms based on genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical characteristics.
To highlight the need for tailored management strategies, particularly regarding screening protocols for familial pituitary adenomas.

Summary:

Mutations in genes such as MEN1, CDKN1B, PRKAR1A, and AIP are implicated in the pathogenesis of familial pituitary adenomas.
Familial adenomas often exhibit a more aggressive clinical course, characterized by larger tumors (macroadenomas) and earlier diagnosis in younger patients compared to sporadic cases.

Impact:

Understanding the distinct genetic underpinnings and clinical behavior of familial pituitary adenomas is essential for improved patient outcomes.
This knowledge supports the development of specialized screening and management guidelines, improving the care of individuals with hereditary pituitary tumor predispositions.