The Influence of Burn Trauma on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary Axis in Normal Female Subjects

Abstract

In 5 severely burned women (greater than 25% TBS, II degrees and III degrees burns) the following hormones were investigated by RIA. (1) LH-releasing hormone test in the initial phase of burn shock with 100 gamma 3 LH-RH. (2). Follow-up controls of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (HPRL), oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T) in the catabolic and healing phase of burn disease. All women were before onset of burn trauma regularly ovulating. The following preliminary results can be presented: If the burn trauma occurs in the preovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, there was no ovulation during the time of observation. As a sign of the normal function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland all subjects responded with an increase of plasma LH to the stimulation with LH-releasing hormone. The burn trauma interferes with the female endocrine equilibrium by involving hypothalamic centres. Negative feedback mechanisms by the secretion of adrenal hormones and temporary hyperprolactinemic states as a further result are discussed.