Pituitary gland

Is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus. It is often considered the master gland because it regulates many bodily functions. The pituitary gland is divided into two distinct parts: the adenohypophysis and the neurohypophysis. The adenohypophysis secretes a number of hormones that control various functions, such as growth, metabolism, lactation, thyroid function, and reproduction. The neurohypophysis stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus, oxytocin, and vasopressin, which regulate uterine contractions during childbirth and blood pressure respectively.

The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating many important bodily functions.

Certain biomarkers can be used to help diagnose or monitor disorders of this gland.

1. Pituitary hormones: Hormones secreted by the adenohypophysis can be useful biomarkers for diagnosing certain disorders of the pituitary gland. For example, growth hormone (GH) is used to diagnose growth hormone deficiency, while follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are used to diagnose hypogonadism.

2. Hypothalamic hormones: Hormones produced by the hypothalamus can also be useful biomarkers for diagnosing disorders of the pituitary gland.

For example, the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome.

3. Imaging biomarkers: Medical images, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to visualise the pituitary gland and detect tumours or other abnormalities. The size and shape of the pituitary gland can also be indicators of diseases such as acromegaly.

4. Molecular biomarkers: Molecular markers, such as gene mutations, can be used to detect genetic diseases of the pituitary gland, such as McCune-Albright syndrome.