Assessment of hypothalamic pituitary function in endocrine disease

J Clin Pathol. 1966 May;19(3):284-92. doi: 10.1136/jcp.19.3.284.

Abstract

The insulin test carried out with adequate safeguards under standardized conditions yields valuable information regarding hypothalamic and pituitary function when plasma levels of sugar, cortisol, and growth hormone are determined. The use of a test based on the plasma cortisol response to the infusion of lysine-vasopressin, a polypeptide with a corticotrophin-releasing action, is also of value as a test of pituitary function. Used in conjunction with the insulin test it enables pituitary disorders to be differentiated from those involving the hypothalamus.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Adult
  • Blood
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endocrine System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Hypothalamus*
  • Insulin / pharmacology
  • Lysine
  • Male
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Function Tests*
  • Stress, Physiological
  • Urine
  • Vasopressins

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Vasopressins
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Growth Hormone
  • Lysine
  • Hydrocortisone