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Pituitary size in depression.
K R Krishnan1, P M Doraiswamy, S N Lurie
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|February 11, 1991
Summary
Major depression is linked to larger pituitary gland size. This study found significantly increased pituitary cross-sectional area and volume in depressed individuals, especially the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depression is a prevalent mood disorder with complex pathophysiology.
- Previous research has explored various neurobiological correlates of depression.
- The role of the pituitary gland in depression remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pituitary gland size in patients with major depression.
- To compare pituitary dimensions between depressed individuals and healthy controls.
- To identify potential structural alterations in the pituitary gland associated with major depression.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to visualize the pituitary gland.
- Pituitary gland size was quantified by measuring cross-sectional area and volume.
- 19 patients diagnosed with major depression were compared to age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- Depressed patients exhibited significantly larger pituitary cross-sectional area (P = 0.0009).
- A significant increase in pituitary gland volume was observed in depressed patients (P = 0.007).
- The enlargement of the pituitary gland was more pronounced in elderly depressed patients compared to elderly controls.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of structural alterations in the pituitary gland in major depression.
- Increased pituitary size may represent a potential neurobiological marker for major depression.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the functional implications of pituitary changes in depression.