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Growth hormone secretion in empty sella syndrome
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS) patients often show reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion. However, true GH deficiency is rare, with impaired response often linked to overweight or estrogen deficiency, not pituitary issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS) is a condition affecting the pituitary gland.
- Growth hormone (GH) secretion is crucial for metabolic processes.
- Assessing GH deficiency in ESS requires careful evaluation of related factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate GH secretion in patients with ESS.
- To differentiate true GH deficiency from impaired responsiveness in ESS patients.
- To identify factors contributing to reduced GH response in ESS.
Main Methods:
- Studied 47 patients with ESS.
- Assessed GH secretion using the L-dopa test.
- Measured somatomedin levels to evaluate GH activity.
Main Results:
- 56% of ESS patients exhibited low GH response to L-dopa.
- True GH deficiency was suspected in only 2/41 patients with normal pituitary function.
- Impaired GH responsiveness was often associated with overweight and postmenopausal estrogen deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Reduced GH responsiveness is common in ESS but not indicative of true GH deficiency.
- Overweight and estrogen deficiency are key factors in diminished GH response in ESS.
- Somatomedin levels are crucial for excluding true GH deficiency in ESS patients.