Pituitary/adrenal glands

Fluometuron is absorbed slowly through the oral route. Rats given fluometuron orally excreted the chemical unchanged in the feces and urine after 3 days. Fluometuron and its metabolites were detected in liver, kidneys, pituitary, adrenal gland, plasma, red blood cells, and spleen, with highest concentrations noted in red blood cells. 

Sari DK, Kuwahara S, Furuya M, et al. Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal gland axis in mice inhaling toluene prior to low-level long-term exposure to formaldehyde. J VetMedSci2005 67(3) 303-9. 

By receptor autoradiography binding sites for SST have been identified in brain, pituitary, adrenal gland, endocrine and exocrine pancreas, and the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in a large number of cultured cell lines (reviewed by Epelbaum 1986 Raynor and Reisine 1992 Epelbaum et al. 

The adrenal glands and pituitary glands have the highest tissue concentration of ascorbic acid. The brain, Hver, and spleen, however, represent the largest contribution to the body pool. Plasma and leukocyte ascorbic acid levels decrease with increasing age (152). Elderly people require higher ascorbic acid intakes than children to reach the same plasma and tissue concentration (153). 

Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a 38-amino acid peptide (PACAP-38), which is widely expressed in the central nervous system. PACAP is most abundant in the hypothalamus. It is also found in the gastrointestinal tract, the adrenal gland and in testis. Its central nervous system functions are ill-defined. In the periphery, PACAP has been shown to stimulate catecholamine secretion from the adrenal medulla and to regulate secretion from the pancreas. Three G-protein coupled receptors have been shown to respond to PACAP, PAQ (PACAP type I) specifically binds PACAP, VPACi and VPAC2 also bind vasoactive intestinal peptide (VDP). Activation of PACAP receptors results in a Gs-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase. 

The adrenal gland lies on the superior surface of each kidney. It is a double organ composed of an outer cortex and an inner medulla In response to ACTH secreted by the anterior pituitary, the adrenal cortex secretes several hormones (the glucocorticoids, the mineralocorticoids, and small amounts of sex hormones). 

ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY. Administration of the glucocorticoids poses the threat of adrenal gland insufficiency (particularly if the altemate-day therapy is not prescribed). Administration of glucocorticoids several times a day and during a short time (as little as 5-10 days) results in shutting off the pituitary release of ACTH... 

No histopathological changes in the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or pancreas were observed in rats exposed to 600 ppm trichloroethylene 7 hours/day, 5 days/week for 104 weeks (Maltoni et al. 1988). 

Adrenal gland weights were not affected in rats treated by gavage with 1,500 mg/kg/day trichloroethylene in com oil for 14 days (Berman et al. 1995). Histopathological changes in endocrine glands (thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenals, pituitary) have not been observed in rats or mice exposed by gavage to trichloroethylene in oil for intermediate or chronic durations (Maltoni et al. 1986 NCI 1976 NIP 1988, 1990). 

Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the adrenal glands, pituitary, and/or hypothalamus can aid in determining the etiology. 

Rimonabant is a selective CB1 receptor antagonist that is currently under investigation in phase III trials. CB1 receptors are found in the brain, adipose tissue, the GI tract, pituitary and adrenal glands, sympathetic ganglia, heart, lungs, liver, and bladder.17,18 Food cravings are diminished following inhibition of this receptor.19... 

Adrenocorticotropic hormone A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that controls secretion of cortisol from the adrenal glands also referred to as corticotropin. 

Tippecanoe Community Health Clinic West Lafayette, Indiana Chapter 42 Adrenal Gland Disorders Chapter 43 Pituitary Gland Disorders... 

Soliman KFA Florida A M University, Tallahassee, FL The effects of lead exposure on hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal gland function (rats) National Institute of General Medical Sciences... 

The acute CNS effects of MDMA administration are mediated by the release of monoamine transmitters, with the subsequent activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic receptor sites.40 As specific examples in rats, MDMA suppresses 5-HT cell firing, evokes neuroendocrine secretion, and stimulates locomotor activity. MDMA-induced suppression of 5-HT cell firing in the dorsal and median raphe involves activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A autoreceptors by endogenous 5-HT.4142 Neuroendocrine effects of MDMA include secretion of prolactin from the anterior pituitary and corticosterone from the adrenal glands 43 Evidence supports the notion that these MDMA-induced hormonal effects are mediated via postsynaptic 5-HT2 receptors in the hypothalamus, which are activated by released 5-HT. MDMA elicits a unique profile of locomotor effects characterized by forward locomotion and elements of the 5-HT behavioral syndrome such as flattened body posture, Straub tail, and forepaw treading.44 6 The complex motor effects of MDMA are dependent on monoamine release followed by activation of multiple postsynaptic 5-HT and DA receptor subtypes in the brain,47 but the precise role of specific receptor subtypes is still under investigation. 

In depressed patients, cortical-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity can be explained by the hypersecretion of CRF, and secondary pituitary and adrenal gland hypertrophy. Impaired negative feedback at various CNS sites, including the hippocampus and pituitary are also likely to contribute. Downregulation of hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptors and expression is reported in depressed suicides [50]. In bipolar disorder, hyperactivity of the cortical-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis has been observed [51]. This increase in cortical-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity has also been observed in mixed mood states, mania and in depression in rapidcycling patients. Partial reversal of HPA overactivity is associated with treatment and recovery from depression. 

Endocrine Effects. Thyroid hyperplasia and pituitary cysts were observed in rats, but not mice, in a chronic bioassay study with endrin administered in the feed (NCI 1978). Treon et al. (1955) found diffuse degeneration of the adrenal glands in rats dosed with >1.25 mg/kg/day in their feed for 2 years however, the adrenal effects were absent at the 0.25 mg/kg/day dose. There has been no evidence of endocrine effects in occupationally exposed human populations. 

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