Radiation and pituitary dysfunction

Article Abstract:

The greater than expected incidence of neuroendocrine abnormalities among patients who have undergone radiation therapy for brain tumors suggests that hypothalamic-pituitary function should be assessed regularly in these people. Radiation therapy of the head has previously been associated with deficiencies of pituitary hormones, but a recent study found the hypothalamus to be even more sensitive to radiation than the anterior pituitary. This is supported by another study which found that patients receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors had hormonal abnormalities characteristic of patients with known hypothalamic disease. The onset and severity of hormonal deficiencies appear to be directly related to the total dose of radiation administered. The secretion of growth hormone (GH) is affected first, regardless of whether it is the hypothalamus or the pituitary that is damaged by radiation. GH deficiency may be a useful indicator of further hypothalamic-pituitary disorders.

Editorial, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal system

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The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune-mediated inflammation

Article Abstract:

Research on the interaction between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal gland (HPA axis) and the immune system may lead to effective treatments for autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. The hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary to produce corticotropin. This chemical in turn stimulates the adrenals to produce cortisol. Cortisol is an anti-inflammatory hormone that can suppress the immune system. Corticotropin and CRH, on the other hand, can stimulate the immune system. Inflammation causes the production of several chemicals that can affect the HPA axis, including tumor necrosis factor and interleukin. An overactive HPA axis can predispose people to infections and tumors but protect them from autoimmune diseases. A defective HPA axis can predispose people to autoimmune diseases but protect them from infections and tumors.

Inflammation, Inflammation mediators, Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

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Childhood leukemia -- successes and challenges for survivors

Article Abstract:

Many children with leukemia can be cured but they may still have problems as adults. Some of these problems may be long-term adverse effects from the radiation treatment they received. A study published in 2003 found that children who had received central nervous system radiation treatment had higher death rates and higher rates of unemployment than children who did not.

Patient outcomes, Prognosis, Cancer in children, Childhood cancer, Leukemia

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