Question

Enumerate the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Describe the actions and regulation of secretion of growth hormone. Write in brief about effects of hypersecretion of the anterior pituitary gland.

Answer 1

Anterior pituitary secretes following hormones:-

1. Growth Hormone (GH)
2. Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH)
3. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
4. Prolactin
5. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
6. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).
   

Growth hormone acts in many parts of the body to promote growth in children. Once the growth plates in the bones (epiphyses) have fused growth hormone does not increase height. In adults, it does not cause growth but it helps to maintain normal body structure and metabolism, including helping to keep blood glucose levels within set levels.

Growth hormone release is not continuous; it is released in a number of ‘bursts’ or pulses every three to five hours. This release is controlled by two other hormones that are released from the hypothalamus (a part of the brain): growth hormone-releasing hormone, which stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone, and somatostatin, which inhibits that release.

Hypersecretion of anterior pituitary gland results in following disorders due to overproduction of respective hormones- Growth hormone -Acromegaly or gigantism, ACTH -Cushing’s disease, TSH- Hyperthyroidism, FSH- Polycystic ovary syndrome, precocious puberty Infertility, amenorrhea, Prolactin- Infertility, amenorrhea, Inability to lactate.