1.

Discuss the effects of tumor in the pituitary gland and how does it affects the regulation of
hormone in the body.

A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland. Most pituitary tumors
are benign or noncancerous, and the most common one is called pituitary adenoma. A pituitary
tumor may be functioning or nonfunctioning. A functioning tumor produces hormones itself and
a nonfunctioning tumor, the common one, does not. Pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ but is
considered as the master gland of the endocrine system as it releases hormones that control
other glands in the body. Having said that, when there is an abnormality, such as a tumor, in the
pituitary gland, the normal hormone-releasing cells of the pituitary may cause overproduction of
hormones (hyperpituitarism) or under-production of hormones (hypopituitarism) which will
affect many bodily functions. In hypersecretory pituitary adenomas, it secrete an excess amount
of a specific hormone causing manifestations related to the action of that hormone. The most
common are prolactinomas, a type of tumor that causes the pituitary gland to produce too
much of the prolactin hormone; GH adenoma, when pituitary gland produces too much growth
hormone (acromegaly) that causes a very rare disease called gigantism; and ACTH-secreting
adenomas which causes adrenal glands to make too much cortisol that leads to a rare condition
called Cushing’s Syndrome. Hypopituitarism, on the other hand, is when the pituitary gland
doesn’t make enough hormones. The most common hormone deficiencies associated with
hypopituitarism involve the growth hormone. Adult GH deficiency syndrome changes in body
composition due to changes in fat and muscle, bad cholesterol levels and loss of energy and/or
interest in hobbies and social activities. FSH and LH deficiency due to hypopituitarism affects
menstrual, libido, and secondary sex characteristics in women and testicular atrophy, libido,
spermatogenesis, facial hair, and muscle mass in men. Hypopituitarism can also affect the
adrenocorticotropic hormone which decreases the cortisol production that leads to weakness,
fatigue, etc. And lastly, it can also affect the thyroid stimulating hormone which is resembles a
mild form of primary hypothyroidism which signs and symptoms includes fatigue, cold
intolerance, constipation, lethargy, and weight gain.

2. Differentiate syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone and diabetes insipidus.

The amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) released by pituitary gland is what

differentiate Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) and Diabetes
Insipidus (DI). The antidiuretic hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to changes
in volume, blood pressure and plasma osmolality. In SIADH, there has been excess amount of
ADH despite normal or low plasma osmolality which prevents the production of urine and leads
to the retention of excess water in the body which is why it is most remembered as “soaked
inside”. Patient with SIADH has low urine output (oliguria) and increased body weight. They
have low sodium content and are risk for seizures. Diabetes insipidus, on the other hand, occurs
when there has been inadequate ADH. The decrease in ADH results in fluid and electrolyte
imbalances caused by increased urine output and increased plasma osmolality, and it is most
remembered as “dry inside”. DI has two forms: Central Diabetes Insipidus and Nephrogenic
Diabetes Insipidus. In central DI, either the hypothalamus does not produce enough ADH, or the
pituitary gland does not secrete enough ADH. While in nephrogenic DI, ADH production and
secretion are normal, but the kidneys are resistant to the anti-diuretic effects of the hormone.
Patient with DI has higher urine output (polyuria) and excessive thirst (polydipsia). They have
high sodium content and at risk for hypovolemic shock.