Question

If pitutary is surgically removed , blood level of sodium falls and that of potassium rises due to

• A. Atrophy of adrenal medulla
• B. Atrophy of adrenal cortex
• C. Fact that LTH from pituitary is no longer available
• D. Fact that oxytocin form pituitary is no longer available

Answer 1

The correct option is B Atrophy of adrenal cortex

If pituitary is surgically removed , blood level of sodium falls and that of potassium rises due to atrophy of adrenal cortex. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is secreted by pituitary gland. Androgen is release dby adrenal cortex. Androgen level increases in response to ACTH stimulation. High androgen levels helps in maintaining high sodium and low potassium level in blood. Surgical removal of pituitary gland will result in atrophy of adrenal cortex. This in turn will result in deficiency of aldosterone. Hence, this results in excretion of large amount of sodium and retention of potassium in the blood.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.