Posterior Pituitary Research Articles

Pituitary crosstalk with bone, adipose tissue and brain.

Traditional textbook physiology has ascribed unitary functions to hormones from the anterior and posterior pituitary gland, mainly in the regulation of effector hormone secretion from endocrine organs. However, the evolutionary biology of pituitary hormones and their receptors provides evidence for a broad range of functions in vertebrate physiology. Over the past decade, we and others have discovered that thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin act directly on somatic organs, including bone, adipose tissue and liver. New evidence also indicates that pituitary hormone receptors are expressed in brain regions, nuclei and subnuclei. These studies have prompted us to attribute the pathophysiology of certain human diseases, including osteoporosis, obesity and neurodegeneration, at least in part, to changes in pituitary hormone levels. This new information has identified actionable therapeutic targets for drug discovery.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis in dogs infected with Leishmania spp.

Morphological involvement of endocrine glands, such as the pituitary gland, remain uninvestigated in dogs with canine visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, this study investigated the presence of amastigotes of Leishmania spp. and characterized inflammatory changes, highlighting the involvement of TCD3+ lymphocytes in different regions of the pituitary gland of dogs. Samples were collected from 21 naturally infected dogs and 5 control, uninfected dogs. The different pituitary regions were analyzed in histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) under light microscopy. Inflammation was classified by intensity in a score from 0 to 3, absent (0), mild (1), moderate (2), and marked (3). The immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation was performed in five high-power fields (hot spot) in a 40x objective of each region with manual counting (Image J1.52ª) of the TCD3+ lymphocytes and for amastigotes analyzed in 40x and 100x objectives. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the data. Differences between groups were determined by the Mann Whitney test. The correlation between variables was assessed by Sperman's correlation test. p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Amastigotes from the pituitary glands of two infected dogs were identified using IHC. The histopathological evaluation stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed greater intensity of inflammation in the pars distalis and pars intermedia regions of infected dogs. IHC for TCD3+ lymphocytes showed a higher median number of immunolabeled cells in pars nervosa in the infected group than in the control group (p < 0.05); and expecting a variation in the distribution and number of these cells in naturally infected dogs, the median of the control group was considered a cut-off point, an increase in T lymphocytes (p < 0.05) was also observed in the pars intermedia and pars distalis of an infected subgroup (n = 10). A moderate significant correlation between the intensity of inflammation and the number of immunolabeled TCD3+ lymphocytes was established in the analyzed pituitary regions, characterizing the occurrence of hypophysitis. These findings presuppose that inflammation and/or the parasite in the pituitary region can result in gland dysfunction, worsening the clinical condition of the patient and compromising the efficiency of treatment and prognosis.

Clinico-radiological correlation of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in children with growth hormone deficiency.

To analyze the clinical, hormonal, and radiological characteristics of Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This is a prospective cross-sectional study, conducted over a period of three years in a short stature clinic of tertiary care referral hospital. 57 severe short stature children with proven GHD were included in the study. Among 57 children with GHD, 14 (24%) were diagnosed as PSIS. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.8 ± 2.6years. The male to female ratio was 2.5:1. Nine (64%) children had multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) and 5 (36%) had isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). In spite of absent or ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP)in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of PSIS cohorts, only one had Arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency. EPP was seen near median eminence in 6 (44%), elsewhere in 4 (28%), and absent in 4 (28%)children. The height gain following growth hormone therapy was better in PSIS cohorts as compared to non-PSIS. Male gender, breech presentation, external congenital anomalies like cryptorchidism, midline defects and nystagmus were more common in children with PSIS. MPHD were more frequently seen in PSIS whereas IGHD in non-PSIS cohort. AVP deficiency is very rare in PSIS despite of absent or ectopic posterior pituitary in MRI. High index of clinical suspicion in all severe short stature may lead to early diagnosis and prompt initiation of growth hormone treatment for better outcome.

Missing pieces of the pituitary puzzle: participation of extra-adenohypophyseal placode-lineage cells in the adult pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is a major endocrine tissue composing of two distinct entities, the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary, cranial placode origin) and the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary, neural ectoderm origin), and plays important roles in maintaining vital homeostasis. This tissue is maintained by a slow, consistent cell-renewal system of adult stem/progenitor cells. Recent accumulating evidence shows that neural crest-, head mesenchyme-, and endoderm lineage cells invade during pituitary development and contribute to the maintenance of the adult pituitary gland. Based on these novel observations, this article discusses whether these lineage cells are involved in pituitary organogenesis, maintenance, regeneration, dysplasia, or tumors.

Pre- and Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Comparative Studies of Pituitary Tissues Following Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Macroadenomas.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the most important radiological procedure for diagnosing and following pituitary tumors. But previous MRI studies on pituitary adenomas are mainly focused on the posterior pituitary. Few research has been done on residual normal pituitary tissue before and after transsphenoidal surgery. This retrospective cohort study investigates the pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of normal pituitary tissues regarding transsphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. Pre- and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scanning of 112 consecutive pituitary macroadenoma patients who underwent tumor resection via transsphenoidal approach was performed, and their medical records were studied. On preoperative MRI, 66 cases of pituitary stalks were identifiable, 9 of them were roughly in the middle, and 57 cases showed left or right deviation, with the angle between pituitary stalks and the sagittal plane was 5.32°-64.05° (average 21.65°). Among the 57 patients with preoperative pituitary stalk deviation, 55 of the pituitary stalk deviations improved in 1 week after surgery, and 30 cases were almost in the middle in 4-6 months after operation, with the other cases get better in varying degrees. The diameter of pituitary stalk was 1.08-3.89 mm (mean 2.36 mm) in pre-operation, and 1.29-3.43 mm (mean 2.30 mm) in 4-6 months after operation. The length of pituitary stalk was 1.41-11.74 mm (mean 6.12 mm) preoperatively, 3.61-11.63 mm (mean 6.93 mm) early postoperatively, and 5.37-17.57 mm (mean 8.83 mm) in 4-6 months after operation. Pituitary stalk was thickened or compressed on preoperative MR images, and gradually recovered to normal during postoperative period. It tended to be in the middle position and its length increased gradually until 4-6 months after operation. On preoperative MRI, 69 out of 112 patients showed residual pituitary tissues (RPT)(+) on enhanced MRI. RPT were likely located above the adenomas in somatotroph adenoma patients. Morphological restitution of postoperative normal pituitary tissues was better in lateral displacement than in superior or superolateral patterns on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperative normal pituitary tissues usually subsided directly in superior displacement pattern on preoperative MRI, while were likely to be confined in the lateral side in lateral and superolateral displacement patients. Postoperative morphologic remodeling grade of RPT was positively correlated with the maximum diameter of pituitary adenoma (p = 0.000), but not with age. The larger the tumor diameter, the worse the pituitary morphological recovery after tumor resection. Relative locations of normal pituitary and adenoma tissues may be related to adenoma type and may affect postoperative reconstruction of residual normal pituitary tissues. These findings enable surgeons to distinguish pituitary tissue from residual or recurring tumor tissue on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging.

Biosynthesis and function of VIP and oxytocin: mechanisms of C-terminal amidation, oxytocin secretion and transport.

In this review, we provide the current status of research on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin, typical C-terminal α-amidated peptide hormones, including their precursor protein structures, processing and C-terminal α-amidation, and the recently identified mechanisms of regulation of oxytocin secretion and its transportation through the blood brain barrier. More than half of neural and endocrine peptides, such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and oxytocin, have the α-amide structure at their C-terminus, which is generally essential for biological activities. We have studied the synthesis and function of C-terminal α-amidated peptides, including VIP and oxytocin, since the 1980s. Human VIP mRNA encoded not only VIP but also another related C-terminal α-amidated peptide, PHM-27 (peptide having amino-terminal histidine, carboxy-terminal methionine amide and 27 amino acid residues). The human VIP/PHM-27 gene was composed of seven exons and regulated synergistically by cyclic AMP and protein kinase C pathways. VIP has an essential role in glycemic control using transgenic mouse technology. The peptide C-terminal α-amidation proceeded through a two-step mechanism catalyzed by two different enzymes encoded in a single mRNA. In the oxytocin secretion from the hypothalamus/the posterior pituitary, the CD38-cyclic ADP-ribose signal system, that was first established in the insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells of the islets of Langerhans, was found to be essential. A possible mechanism involving receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) of the oxytocin transportation from the blood stream into the brain through the blood-brain barrier has also been suggested.

Diabetes Insipidus: Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, and Management

Abstract: The inability to control one's own urine output due to diabetes insipidus (DI) is a serious medical condition that may affect a person at any age. Constant urine and thirst, particularly during sleep, might disrupt your sleep cycle. The researchers behind this study searched the PubMed database for any and all relevant publications on DI. Nephrogenic DI, which results from the kidney's inability to respond to arginine vasopressin (AVP), is often inherited, but central DI, which results from the brain's inability to produce enough AVP, might result from trauma, surgery, or tumours. Historically, treatments have included the administration of oxytocin and vasopressin-containing extracts from the posterior pituitary. In comparison to vasopressin, the synthetic vasopressin counterpart desmopressin has some benefits. Desmopressin in intranasal form was the first to market, but since then, oral tablet and melt versions have gained favour due to their ease. Amiloride, thiazide diuretics, indapamide, clofibrate, indomethacin, carbamazepine, and chlorpropamide are some more medicinal compounds. However, desmopressin remains the medicine of choice for treating DI. The review discusses desmopressin-targeted medicines, DI precipitants, and the physiology of water balance

Neuropeptidergic control circuits in the spinal cord for male sexual behaviour: Oxytocin-gastrin-releasing peptide systems.

The neuropeptidergic mechanisms controlling socio-sexual behaviours consist of complex neuronal circuitry systems in widely distributed areas of the brain and spinal cord. At the organismal level, it is now becoming clear that "hormonal regulations" play an important role, in addition to the activation of neuronal circuits. The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) system in the lumbosacral spinal cord is an important component of the neural circuits that control penile reflexes in rats, circuits that are commonly referred to as the "spinal ejaculation generator (SEG)." Oxytocin, long known as a neurohypophyseal hormone, is now known to be involved in the regulation of socio-sexual behaviors in mammals, ranging from social bonding to empathy. However, the functional interaction between the SEG neurons and the hypothalamo-spinal oxytocin system remains unclear. Oxytocin is known to be synthesised mainly in hypothalamic neurons and released from the posterior pituitary into the circulation. Oxytocin is also released from the dendrites of the neurons into the hypothalamus where they have important roles in social behaviours via non-synaptic volume transmission. Because the most familiar functions of oxytocin are to regulate female reproductive functions including parturition, milk ejection, and maternal behaviour, oxytocin is often thought of as a "feminine" hormone. However, there is evidence that a group of parvocellular oxytocin neurons project to the lower spinal cord and control male sexual function in rats. In this report, we review the functional interaction between the SEG neurons and the hypothalamo-spinal oxytocin system and effects of these neuropeptides on male sexual behaviour. Furthermore, we discuss the finding of a recently identified, localised "volume transmission" role of oxytocin in the spinal cord. Findings from our studies suggest that the newly discovered "oxytocin-mediated spinal control of male sexual function" may be useful in the treatment of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction.

Oxytocin: physiology, pharmacology, and clinical application for labor management

Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating the female reproductive system, including during labor and lactation. It is produced primarily in the hypothalamus and secreted by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin can also be administered as a medication to initiate or augment uterine contractions. To study the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin, previous studies have randomized patients to low- and high-dose oxytocin infusion protocols either alone or as part of an active management of labor strategy along with other interventions. These randomized trials demonstrated that active management of labor and high-dose oxytocin regimens can shorten the length of labor and reduce the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis. The safety of high-dose oxytocin regimens is also supported by no associated differences in fetal heart rate abnormalities, postpartum hemorrhage, low Apgar scores, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and umbilical artery acidemia. Most studies reported no differences in the cesarean delivery rates with active management of labor or high-dose oxytocin regimens, thereby further validating its safety. Oxytocin does not have a predictable dose response, thus the pharmacologic effects and the amplitude and frequency of uterine contractions are used as physiological parameters for oxytocin infusion titration to achieve adequate contractions at appropriate intervals. Used in error, oxytocin can cause patient harm, highlighting the importance of precise administration using infusion pumps, institutional safety checklists, and trained nursing staff to closely monitor uterine activity and fetal heart rate changes. In this review, we summarize the physiology, pharmacology, infusion regimens, and associated risks of oxytocin.

Homozygous CDH2 variant may be associated with hypopituitarism without neurological disorders.

Congenital hypopituitarism is a genetically heterogeneous condition. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a promising approach for molecular diagnosis of patients with this condition. The aim of this study is to conduct WES in a patient with congenital hypopituitarism born to consanguineous parents, CDH2 screening in a cohort of patients with congenital hypopituitarism, and functional testing of a novel CDH2 variant. Genomic DNA from a proband and her consanguineous parents was analyzed by WES. Copy number variants were evaluated. The genetic variants were filtered for population frequency (ExAC, 1000 genomes, gnomAD, and ABraOM), in silico prediction of pathogenicity, and gene expression in the pituitary and/or hypothalamus. Genomic DNA from 145 patients was screened for CDH2 by Sanger sequencing. One female patient with deficiencies in growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone and ectopic posterior pituitary gland contained a rare homozygous c.865G>A (p.Val289Ile) variant in CDH2. To determine whether the p.Val289Ile variant in CDH2 affects cell adhesion properties, we stably transfected L1 fibroblast lines, labeled the cells with lipophilic dyes, and quantified aggregation. Large aggregates formed in cells expressing wildtype CDH2, but aggregation was impaired in cells transfected with variant CDH2 or non-transfected. A homozygous CDH2 allelic variant was found in one hypopituitarism patient, and the variant impaired cell aggregation function in vitro. No disease-causing variants were found in 145 other patients screened for CDH2 variants. Thus, CDH2 is a candidate gene for hypopituitarism that needs to be tested in different populations. A female patient with hypopituitarism was born from consanguineous parents and had a homozygous, likely pathogenic, CDH2 variant that impairs cell aggregation in vitro. No other likely pathogenic variants in CDH2 were identified in 145 hypopituitarism patients.

Kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons are not necessary for parturition in the mouse

Oxytocin is synthesized by hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons and is released from the posterior pituitary gland to trigger uterine contractions during parturition. In rats, oxytocin neuron innervation by periventricular nucleus (PeN) kisspeptin neurons increases over pregnancy and intra-SON kisspeptin administration excites oxytocin neurons only in late pregnancy. To test the hypothesis that kisspeptin neurons excite oxytocin neurons to trigger uterine contractions during birth in C57/B6J mice, double-label immunohistochemistry for kisspeptin and oxytocin first confirmed that kisspeptin neurons project to the SON and PVN. Furthermore, kisspeptin fibers expressed synaptophysin and formed close appositions with oxytocin neurons in the mouse SON and PVN before and during pregnancy. Stereotaxic viral delivery of caspase-3 into the AVPV/PeN of Kiss-Cre mice before mating reduced kisspeptin expression in the AVPV, PeN, SON and PVN by > 90% but did not affect the duration of pregnancy or the timing of delivery of each pup during parturition. Therefore, it appears that AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons are not necessary for parturition in the mouse.

Characterization of the rat pituitary capsule: Evidence that the cerebrospinal fluid filled the pituitary cleft and the inner side of the capsule.

In humans, the pituitary gland is covered by a fibrous capsule and is considered a continuation of the meningeal sheath. However, in rodents some studies concluded that only the pars tuberalis (PT) and pars nervosa (PN) are enwrapped by the pia mater, while others showed that the whole gland is covered by this sheath. At PT the median eminence subarachnoid drains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to its cisternal system representing a pathway to the hypothalamus. In the present study we examined the rat pituitary capsule to elucidate its configuration, its physical interaction with the pituitary border and its relationship with the CSF. Furthermore, we also revisited the histology of the pituitary cleft and looked whether CSF drained in it. To answer such questions, we used scanning and transmission electron microscopy, intracerebroventricular infusion of Evan´s blue, fluorescent beads, and sodium fluorescein. The latter was measured in the pars distalis (PD) and various intracranial tissues. We found a pituitary capsule resembling leptomeninges, thick at the dorsal side of the pars intermedia (PI) and PD, thicker at the level of PI in contiguity with the PN and thinner at the rostro-ventral side as a thin membrane of fibroblast-like cells embedded in a fibrous layer. The capsule has abundant capillaries on all sides. Our results showed that the CSFs bathe between the capsule and the surface of the whole gland, and ciliate cells are present in the pituitary border. Our data suggest that the pituitary gland intercommunicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the CSF.

(308) Oxytocin Troches as an Adjunctive Intervention to Conventional Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction Medication for Men with Sexuality Concerns

Abstract Introduction Oxytocin (OT), a peptide hormone, is known to be involved in social interaction and the pleasure we derive from it is produced from the posterior pituitary. This neurotransmitter has a potential role in love, female reproductive functions, and social bonding. OT is released by both males and females, during skin to skin contact sexual arousal and orgasm/ejaculation (1,2). OT effects on the brain are dependent on its interactions with sex homes such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and corticosterone. Oxytocin levels are implicated in male sexual responsivity. Oxytocin biological effects may include decrease social anxiety, increased pair bonding, intimacy and closeness enhance sexual receptivity, enhance perineal contractility, enhances pair bonding, nurturing, trust “cuddle hormone, increased intensity of orgasm in men and women, decreased latency to orgasmic release, increased pleasurable sensations and increased sexual desire and lubrication. Oxytocin troches have been used as an off label investigational compounded oxytocin as an adjunctive therapy for men’s sexual health. Objective We report the preliminary responder analysis results of a random retrospective survey on users of this medication. Methods A random convenience sample of 26 men from 5 centers ( Hawaii, Washington, Portland, Salt Lake City and Tulsa) who tried compounded oxytocin were surveyed. Surveys were anonymous, and participation was voluntary and uncompensated. Doses of Sublingual oxytocin were to be titrate up from 25 international units (IU) for optimization, but not to exceed 100 IU) Results Fourteen out of 26 participants (56%) were considered responders. Mean age was 43 and range was 22-77. Eighty-six of the participants had used between 50 IU and 100 IU and 50% were on TRT replacement whereas 57% were on Erectile medications. Only 21% were on both ED medications and TRT replacement. 86% of responders reported enhanced intimacy and connection with their partners, 100% would recommend the product to their friends. 93% of users planned to continue the medication. 86% noted increased overall pleasure and sexual satisfaction. 86% reported improved overall quality of their orgasm. There were no adverse events reported. Responders reported positive feedback which included: longer lasting before orgasmic release, increased nipple sensation, improved control with premature ejaculation, improved feelings during climax and increased ejaculate volume. Conclusions Oxytocin compounded troches appear to be a helpful addition to a preexisting treatment paradigm for erectile difficulty or testosterone replacement. This is a preliminary report with small numbers, and further larger randomized clinical trials are warranted and planned. Disclosure No

Translational and Posttranslational Dynamics in a Model Peptidergic System

The cell bodies of hypothalamic magnocellular neurones are densely packed in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus, whereas their axons project to the anatomically discrete posterior pituitary gland. We have taken advantage of this unique anatomical structure to establish proteome and phosphoproteome dynamics in neuronal cell bodies and axonal terminals in response to physiological stimulation. We have found that proteome and phosphoproteome responses to neuronal stimulation are very different between somatic and axonal neuronal compartments, indicating the need of each cell domain to differentially adapt. In particular, changes in the phosphoproteome in the cell body are involved in the reorganization of the cytoskeleton and in axonal terminals the regulation of synaptic and secretory processes. We have identified that prohormone precursors including vasopressin and oxytocin are phosphorylated in axonal terminals and are hyperphosphorylated following stimulation. By multiomic integration of transcriptome and proteomic data, we identify changes to proteins present in afferent inputs to this nucleus.

Congenital hyperinsulinism and panhypopituitarism: a rare combination.

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a serious condition that can have a major impact on the growing neonatal brain. The differential diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia is broad and includes hyperinsulinism as well as panhypopituitarism. The FOXA2 gene has been involved in the development of the pancreas as well as the pituitary gland. Six cases have been reported thus far with FOXA2 mutations presenting with variable degrees of hypopituitarism, and only two patients had permanent hyperinsulinism; other cases have been reported with microdeletions in 20p11, the location that encompasses FOXA2, and those patients presented with a wider phenotype. A full-term female infant presented with severe hypoglycemia. Critical sampling showed an insulin of 1 mIU/mL, suppressed beta-hydroxybutyric acids, and suppressed free fatty acids. Blood glucose responded to glucagon administration. Growth hormone (GH) stimulation test later showed undetectable GH in all samples, and cortisol failed to respond appropriately to stimulation. Gonadotropins were undetectable at 1 month of life, and MRI showed ectopic posterior pituitary, interrupted stalk, hypoplastic anterior pituitary, cavum septum pellucidum, and diminutive appearance of optic nerves. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a likely pathogenic de novo c.604 T>C, p.Tyr202His FOXA2 mutation. We expand the known phenotype on FOXA2 mutations and report a likely pathogenic, novel mutation associated with hyperinsulinism and panhypopituitarism. FOXA2 has been shown to play an important role in the neuroectodermal and endodermal development. FOXA2 mutation may lead to the rare combination of hyperinsulinism and panhypopituitarism. Patients reported so far all responded well to diazoxide. Dysmorphology may be subtle, and liver functions should be monitored.

Pterional Approach for A Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: A Case Report

The tuberculum sellae meningiomas represent between 5-10% of intracranial meningiomas, most frequently between the 5th and 6th decade of life. Bitemporal hemianopia, associated with optic atrophy, represents the most frequently found clinic symptoms. Treatment is usually surgical resection of the tumor either by transcranial or endoscopic endonasal approach. A case of a 44-year-old female patient who presented with a clinical symptoms of 5 months duration, characterized by progressive visual disorder caused by blurred vision on the left eye, associated with low-grade frontal headache, with simple cranial MRI study with evidence of T1 hyperintense lesion in the sellar region with an apparent dural tail that sits at the level of the sellar tubercle, and moves towards the posterior pituitary gland and pituitary stalk.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) presenting in a Jordanian male patient with short stature and delayed puberty: a case report

BackgroundPituitary stalk interruption syndrome is a rare congenital pituitary anatomical defect manifested with wide and various clinical presentations. Short stature and delayed puberty are present in most cases and may be combined with extra pituitary malformations. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the key factor for reaching the definite diagnosis as it reveals the different radiological presentations of this syndrome.Case presentationA 17-year-old male patient from Jordan was presented to the radiology department for pituitary MRI. The patient presents with multiple pituitary hormonal deficiency, short stature, and under-developed secondary sexual characteristics. The bone age of the patient was significantly less than the chronological age. MRI pituitary gland showed hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary, absence of the pituitary stalk and ectopic posterior pituitary gland located posterior to the optic chiasm. These findings were consistent with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome.ConclusionsConsidering uncommon incidence of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary should be considered while examining a patient with pituitary deficiency for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Hormone replacement medication is the primary treatment for pituitary stalk interruption syndrome and should be started as soon as feasible. Thus, early diagnosis and monitoring of individuals are crucial.

Autosomal Dominant Familial Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus in Three Generations

Familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus (FNDI), an autosomal dominant disorder, comes in many forms that are differentiated by the inheritance pattern and the underlying genetic lesion. The disease is caused by mutations in the vasopressin-neurophysin 2- copeptin protein (AVP-NPII), in wolframin (WFS1) or in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1) genes. Materials and methods: In this study, we report a case of familial neurohypophyseal DI in three generations; followed in unit of the endocrinology, diabetology, metabolic diseases and nutrition department of the Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh. Results: This was a 45-year-old patient who had been suffering from polyuro-polydipsia syndrome since the age of 12, with daily urine volumes ranging from 8.0 to 15.0 litres, but had not seen a doctor. The patient was born without complications and had normal puberty. In the family history, three other members of the patient’s family have also had polypolypolydispic syndrome since adolescence, covering three generations, including the patient’s mother, her younger sister and daughter. A water restriction test was performed but the patient did not tolerate it. We completed with the minirin test with a good clinical response: urine concentrated with a volume of 500ml, and urinary osmolarity at H4 of 276.13 (Fig 2). As presented in (Fig 3), cranial MRI revealed a hypersignal region in the posterior pituitary lobe. Serum cortisol, thyroid function, and estrogen were all in the normal range The growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels and the genetic testing were not performed due to limited financial resources. After treatment with oral desmopressin 60 ug two times daily was started, the symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria were satisfactorily controlled.

Axotomy results in an increase in Thy-1 protein in the 35-day-old rat supraoptic nucleus.

We demonstrated previously that the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) undergoes an axonal sprouting response following a unilateral lesion of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract in a 35-day-old rat to repopulate the partially denervated neural lobe (NL). However, no sprouting occurs following the same injury in a 125-day-old rat. We previously reported a significant increase in Thy-1 protein in the SON of a 125-day-old rat compared to a 35-day-old rat in the absence of injury. Thy-1 is a cell surface glycoprotein shown to inhibit axonal outgrowth following injury; however, we did not look at axotomy's effect on Thy-1 in the SON. Therefore, we sought to determine the integrin ligands that bind Thy-1 in the SON and how axotomy impacts Thy-1. Like what others have shown, the co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that Thy-1 interacts with αvß3 and αvß5 integrin dimers in the SON. We used western blot analysis to examine protein levels of Thy-1 and integrin subunits following injury in the 35- and 125-day-old rat SON and NL. Our results demonstrated that Thy-1 protein levels increase in the lesion SON in a 35-day-old rat. The quantitative dual-fluorescent analysis showed that the increase in Thy-1 in the lesion SON occurred in astrocytes. There was no change in Thy-1 or integrin protein levels following injury in the 125-day-old following injury. Furthermore, the axotomy significantly decreased Thy-1 protein levels in the NL of both 35- and 125-day-old rats. These results provide evidence that Thy-1 protein levels are injury dependent in the magnocellular neurosecretory system.

Development of the control system for Artificial Reproduction of Fish Populations Based on a Complex of Neroendocrinological research and Biotech Innovations

The participation of the hypothalamic-hypophysial neurosecretory system (HHNS) in fish reproduction using light, electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry was established by ecologo-histophysiological studies for the first time in the world literature. At the beginning of passing fish migrations a violation of the HHNS basic osmoregulative function, causing habitat change is revealed. Simultaneously the HHNS causes the neurotropic effect on the central nervous system (CNS) arousal in the form of a dominant state of "Migration impulse." At the beginning of spawning, HHNS also initiates spawning behavior and completes it by participating in the body's protective-adaptive reactions to natural physiological stress. The functional role of the HHNS in fish reproduction is to initiate energy-intensive (reproductive) processes of migratory and spawning behaviors and to complete spawning by suppressing the hyperactivity of target glands, which ensures the body's transition to energy-saving plastic exchange. The analysis of the key role of the HHNS in the integration of fish reproduction by the self-regulation principle has allowed the development of a constructive working scheme. New biotech methods of managing breeding time, rates of survival and growth of valuable fish species were developed on this basis. They are presented in the form of 10 inventions. To stimulate sex maturation, drugs of isolated anterior and posterior pituitary lobes were developed and introduced in sturgeon industry, increasing the extent of their fish-breeding use by 15% and saving the pituitary up to 40%. To delay puberty, a method of industrial fish breeders reservation in the critical salinity habitat of 4-8%, both in seawater and in table salt solutions has been developed. On this basis, a full-system method of sturgeon and salmon fish populations reproduction, covering all stages of farm biotechnology has been developed. It is carried out by mass breeders reservation in sea cages, obtaining there offspring and, after the river fish-farm growing youngs to their readiness for migration, the final cultivation them in sea cages gardens till large life-resistant youngs. For the implementation of the proposed industrial biotechnology and year-round fish farming a new installation of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) hatcheries and farms was developed by means of the off-season underground conditioning of fish cultivation habitat and by the principle of natural-industrial engineering ecology. Due to the general aim ‒ increasing the efficiency biotechnology of reproduction and logical relationships, all developments are integrated into the system of biotech management of fish population reproduction.