Chapter 30, Problem 2O

Summary Introduction

To compare:

Various pituitary drugs and their indications, mechanisms, dosage, routes of administration, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions.

Concept introduction:

The pituitary gland is divided into two parts such as the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior lobe of the pituitary is derived from the invagination of the oral ectoderm. The hypothalamus secretes hormones that stimulate or inhibit the production of hormones from the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary synthesizes and secretes six endocrine hormones namely follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL), and growth hormone (GH). The anterior pituitary hormones regulate metabolism, growth, and reproduction and also regulate other endocrine glands and tissues.

The posterior pituitary or posterior lobe is an extension of the hypothalamus nervous tissues, and it is not a true gland. The hypothalamus regulates the posterior pituitary through neuroendocrine reflexes. The posterior pituitary hormones namely antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin (OT) are synthesized by neurosecretory cells located in the hypothalamus. Then, these hormones travel and are stored in the posterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary hormones will be released when they receive the response or signals from the hypothalamus. The posterior pituitary hormones regulate water retention by the kidney and are involved in reproduction.