Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology
Published on: February 25, 2022
[Opioid Induced Pituitary Dysfunction]
Asta Isfold Jonasdottir1, Jakob Johannsson2, Mar Kristjansson2
1Department of Endocrinology.
Abstract:
A 77-year-old woman with a history of anal squamous cell carcinoma was admitted because of malaise, diarrhea and nausea, in addition to back pain related to a verte- bral compression fracture. During the course of treatment, opioid therapy was initiated, following which the patient became progressively hypotensive and hyponatraemic and respiratory drive progressively decreased. Serum levels of cortisol, TSH and LH were decreased and prolactin slightly elevated, but a Synacthen test and brain MRI turned out normal, suggesting a diagnosis of opioid-induced pituitary dysfunction. The patient was given glucocorticoid replacement therapy with good results. Here we present a case of this serious but less well recognised side-effect of opioids.
Related Concept Videos
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Opioid Receptors: Overview
The Pituitary Gland
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

