TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 521. Disorders of the Anterior Pituitary Gland A1 - Reiter, Edward O. A2 - Rudolph, Colin D. A2 - Rudolph, Abraham M. A2 - Lister, George E. A2 - First, Lewis R. A2 - Gershon, Anne A. Y1 - 2011 N1 - T2 - Rudolph's Pediatrics, 22e AB - The anterior pituitary is crucial for normal growth, sexual maturation, and endocrine function. The pituitary integrates, mediates, and modulates the influence of the brain and the hypothalamus on the endocrine system (Fig. 521-1). The hypothalamus regulates anterior pituitary function by synthesizing and secreting small peptides that either promote or inhibit pituitary hormone secretion. These include growth-hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Release of these factors is controlled in part by central nervous system neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and endogenous opioids. These neuropeptides are carried through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal circulation to anterior pituitary cells, where they bind membranous receptors and elicit intracellular cascades of activity that lead to release of the specific pituitary hormones. Pituitary hormones can modulate their own secretion by affecting the secretion of hypothalamic peptides or by acting directly on the anterior pituitary gland. These phenomena are called short and ultra-short feedback loops, respectively. The peripheral endocrine glands, whose secretion of hormones is stimulated by pituitary trophic hormones, also exert negative feedback on anterior pituitary function at the level of the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, or both. Through these exquisitely sensitive and complex interactions, the anterior pituitary gland regulates much of the endocrine milieu of the body. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=7052473 ER -