Pituitary body

The Moon center, the pituitary body, is situated just beneath the pineal gland (the Mercury center), which represents the Philosopher s Stone. The Stone is sometimes called the Seed of the Sun and, in sacred art, is often portrayed as a flaming disc. On the ceremonial crowns of certain high lamas, there is often shown the symbol of a lunar crescent, lying on its back, holding a radiant disc. This refers to the crown-wearer s realization of the ultimate nature of reality and their ability to... 

Pituitary, Posterior, Pituamin Di-Sipidin Pitni-trin. Desiccated hypophysis. The cleaned, dried, and powdered posterior lobe of pituitary body of domesticated animals used for food by man. Contains both oxytocin and vasopressin, q.q.v. 

Pituitary body Pats 9 Increase in TSH synthesis chemical Plunkett... 

The generaJL effects of relaxin on collagen and cholesterol metabolism show a fundamental difference with endocrine activities pre-treatment of estradiol is not absolutely necessary for general effects of relaxin. All other effects are similar e.g. inhibition by androgens and progesterone and the mode of action of relaxin along with the TSH of pituitary body. In this case role of somatotropic hormone has still to be investigated. 

In accordance with known results and the mechanism of action proposed hy us, it seems that the action of relaxin is mainly dependent on thyrotropic hormone of pituitary body. 

The pituitary body, or hypophysis, is double in origin and multiple in functions. From the stomodceal pouch of Rathke is developed the anterior lobe and the -pars intermedia from the floor of the third ventricle are formed the pars nervosa of the posterior lobe, the infundibulum and the tuber cinereum. The pituitary autacoids are of two types secretions acting directly on other tissues, and hormo-kinetic secretions acting indirectly by stimulating other endocrine glands. 

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. The primary endocrine gland that controls many of the endocrine tissues of the body. The pituitary is in turn con-... 

Brain structure below the thalamus and main portion of the ventral region of the diencephalon, controlling homeostatic and nonhomeostatic basic body and brain functions, including circadian and feeding rhythms, energy metabolism, thermogenesis, sympathoadrenal, and neuroendocrine outflow (secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland), behavioral state and memory functions. 

This section of the chapter discusses FSH, LH, GH, and ACTH. FSH and LH are called gonadotropins because they influence the gonads (the organs of reproduction). GH, also called somatotropin, contributes to the growth of the body during childhood, especially the growth of muscles and bones. ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary and stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete the corticosteroids. The anterior pituitary hormone, TSH, is discussed in Chapter 51. Prolactin, which is also secreted by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the production of breast milk in the postpartum patient Additional functions of prolactin are not well understood. Prolactin is the only anterior pituitary hormone that is not used medically. 

Vasopressin (Rtressin Synthetic) and its derivatives, namely lypressin (Diapid) and desmopressin (DDAVP), regulate the reabsorption of water by the kidneys. Vasopressin is secreted by the pituitary when body fluids must be conserved. An example of this mechanism may be seen when an individual has severe vomiting and diarrhea with little or no fluid intake. When this and similar conditions are present, die posterior pituitary releases the hormone vasopressin, water in die kidneys is reabsorbed into die blood (ie, conserved), and die urine becomes concentrated. Vasopressin exhibits its greatest activity on die renal tubular epithelium, where it promotes water resoqition and smooth muscle contraction throughout die vascular bed. Vasopressin has some vasopressor activity. 

Vasopressin and its derivatives are used in die treatment of diabetes insipidus, a disease resulting from die failure of the pituitary to secrete vasopressin or from surgical removal of die pituitary. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by marked increase in urination (as much as 10 L in 24 hours) and excessive tiiirst by inadequate secretion of die antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin. Treatment with vasopressin therapy replaces die hormone in the body and restores normal urination and thirst Vasopressin may also be used for die prevention and treatment of postoperative abdominal distention and to dispel gas interfering with abdominal roentgenography. 

The posterior pituitary is innervated by direct nervous stimulation from the hypothalamus, resulting in the release of specific hormones. The hypothalamus synthesizes two hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones are stored in and released from the posterior pituitary lobe. Oxytocin exerts two actions (1) it promotes uterine contractions during labor, and (2) it contracts the smooth muscles in the breast to stimulate the release of milk from the mammary gland during lactation. Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) essential for proper fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. Specifically, vasopressin increases the permeability of the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the nephrons to water. This causes the kidney to excrete less water in the urine. Consequently, the urine becomes more concentrated as water is conserved. 

Increased body weight may be associated with prolactin-secreting pituitary tumor. 

It is important to remember that adverse effects of topical corticosteroids may be systemic in nature and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression can occur, especially when high-potency corticosteroids are used. Infants and small children may be more susceptible due to their increased skin sur-face body mass ratio.18 Topical corticosteroids may also cause striae, skin atrophy, acne, telangiectasias, and rosacea.2,10,18 Atrophy can result in thin, fragile, easily lacerated skin. Striae are caused by tearing of dermal connective tissue and are irreversible.18 Due to their significant adverse-effect profile, it has been recommended that no topical corticosteroid be used regularly for more than 4 weeks without review and reassessment.2... 

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