[Characteristics of adenohypophseal secretory activity in children with thymomegaly]

The radioimmunological method was applied in the study of ACTH, STH, and prolactin content in thymomegaly combined with pneumonia, and in practically healthy children. A comparative analysis of hormonal parameters depending on the functional condition of the thymus demonstrated a directly proportional correlation between the STH, prolactin level, and the thymus hyperplasia; there proved to be a reverse relationship between the ACTH level and thymomegaly. Hypoadrenocorticotropinemia, hypersomatotropinemia, and hyperprolactinemia could be used as diagnostic criteria in thymomegaly.