[Functional status of the hypophysis in patients with chronic pancreatitis]

The blood concentration of pituitary hormones (corticotropin, somatotropin, thyrotropin and prolactin) was studied in 145 male patients with aggravation of chronic pancreatitis and in 15 healthy male subjects. The pre-treatment concentration of corticotropin, somatotropin and thyrotropin was markedly increased and the level of prolactin had a tendency to decrease. By the end of treatment the level of thyrotropin and prolactin was fully normalized, the content of corticotropin had a tendency to decrease and the concentration of somatotropin somewhat decreased but did not reach the normal values. Changes in the blood level of pituitary hormones were more pronounced in the severe course of the disease and also when the level of pancreatic enzymes and hormones in the blood was high.