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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...

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 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...

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...

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...

Major Hormones and Their Functions

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.

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Updated: Jun 22, 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

Pituitary tumors.

Nestoras Mathioudakis¹, Roberto Salvatori

¹Roberto Salvatori, MD Johns Hopkins School of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 333, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. salvator@jhmi.edu.

Current Treatment Options in Neurology

|June 16, 2009

Summary

Pituitary adenomas, common brain tumors, are primarily treated with surgery, except for prolactinomas managed with medication. Treatment choice depends on tumor type and patient symptoms, with good outcomes for experienced surgeons.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neurosurgery
Oncology

Background:

Pituitary adenomas are the most frequent tumors within the sella turcica.
Treatment strategies vary significantly based on adenoma type and hormonal activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline current therapeutic approaches for pituitary adenomas.
To discuss the role of surgery, medical management, and radiation therapy.

Main Methods:

Surgical resection is the primary treatment for most pituitary adenomas, excluding prolactinomas.
Medical therapies include dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocriptine) for prolactinomas, somatostatin analogues (octreotide, lanreotide) and pegvisomant for acromegaly.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas lack effective medical treatment, sometimes necessitating bilateral adrenalectomy.

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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

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

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Radiation therapy (fractionated or radiosurgery) is used for residual or recurrent tumors.

Main Results:

Surgical intervention offers good prognosis for endocrinologic recovery and visual improvement when performed by experienced pituitary neurosurgeons.
Nonfunctioning adenomas without mass effect or endocrine dysfunction may be monitored conservatively.
Medical and radiation therapies provide alternatives or adjuncts to surgery for specific pituitary adenoma subtypes.

Conclusions:

Treatment of pituitary adenomas requires a multidisciplinary approach, tailoring interventions to the specific tumor characteristics and clinical presentation.
Timely and appropriate management, particularly surgical expertise, is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
Further research into novel medical therapies for hormone-secreting adenomas remains an important area.