Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

10:52
Preparation of Mouse Pituitary Immunogen for the Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis
Published on: December 17, 2010
[Cushing's disease--pathophysiology and treatment]
K Miura1, T Torikai, K Yoshinaga
13rd Department of Internal Medicine, Gifu University, Japan.
Summary
This study shows that reserpine plus pituitary irradiation (PI) can lead to long-term remission in Cushing's disease patients. Early responders to the reserpine test (R-test) achieved remission faster and had better long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Context:
- Cushing's disease is a rare endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol.
- Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and medication.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of reserpine (R) plus pituitary irradiation (PI) in Cushing's disease patients.
- To assess the correlation between R-test response and remission rates/times.
Summary:
- Twenty-one Cushing's disease patients were treated with reserpine and pituitary irradiation.
- Initial remission was achieved in 78% (16/21), with 52% (11/21) experiencing long-term remission (mean 15.7 years).
- Early responders to the reserpine test (R-test) showed significantly faster onset of remission.
Impact:
- The combination of reserpine and pituitary irradiation offers a viable treatment option for Cushing's disease, particularly for achieving long-term remission.
- The reserpine test can predict treatment response and remission duration, aiding in patient management.
- Further research into optimizing radiation doses and patient selection is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
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...
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...
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
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...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
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
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...

