The Pituitary

The pituitary, albeit a small gland, is known as the "master gland" of the endocrine system and contributes to a wide spectrum of disorders, diseases, and syndromes. Since the publication of the second edition of The Pituitary, in 2002, there have been major advances in the molecular biology research of pituitary hormone production and action and there is now a better understanding of the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors and clinical syndromes resulting in perturbation of pituitary function. There have also been major advances in the clinical management of pituitary disorders. Medical researchers and practitioners now better understand the morbidity and mortality associated with pituitary hormone hyposecretion and hypersecretion. Newly developed drugs, and improved methods of delivering established drugs, are allowing better medical management of acromegaly and prolactinoma. These developments have improved the worldwide consensus around the definition of a "cure" for pituitary disease, especially hormone hypersecretion, and hence will improve the success or lack of success of various forms of therapy. It is therefore time for a new edition of The Pituitary. The third edition will continue to be divided into sections that summarize normal hypothalamic-pituitary development and function, hypothalamic-pituitary failure, and pituitary tumors; additional sections will describe pituitary disease in systemic disorders and diagnostic procedures, including imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing. The first chapter will be completely new – placing a much greater emphasis on physiology and pathogenesis. Two new chapters will be added on the Radiation and Non-surgical Management of the Pituitary and Other Pituitary Lesions. Other chapters will be completely updated and many new author teams will be invited. The second edition published in 2002 and there have been incredible changes in both the research and clinical aspects of the pituitary over the past 8 years – from new advances in growth hormones to pituitary tumor therapy. Presents a comprehensive, translational source of information about the pituitary in one reference work Pituitary experts (from all areas of research and practice) take readers from the bench research (cellular and molecular mechanism), through genomic and proteomic analysis, all the way to clinical analysis (histopathology and imaging) and new therapeutic approaches Clear presentation by endocrine researchers of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary hormones and growth factors as well as new techniques used in detecting lesions (within the organ) and other systemic disorders Clear presentation by endocrinologists and neuroendocrine surgeons of how imaging, assessment of the eyes, and biochemical testing can lead to new therapeutic approaches

And clinical aspects of the pituitary over the past 8 years - from new advances in growth hormones to pituitary tumor therapy.

This clinically oriented book will familiarize the reader with all aspects of the diagnosis of tumors and other disorders of the pituitary gland by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The coverage includes acromegaly, Cushing’s disease, Rathke cleft cysts, prolactinomas, incidentalomas, nonsecreting adenomas, other lesions of the sellar area, hypophysitis, and central diabetes insipidus. Normal radiologic anatomy and the numerous normal variants are described, and guidance is also provided on difficulties, artifacts, and other pitfalls. The book combines concise text and high-quality images with a question and answer format geared toward the needs of the practitioner. MRI is today considered the cornerstone in the diagnosis of diseases of the hypophyseal-hypothalamic region but the relatively small size of the pituitary gland, its deep location, the many normal anatomic variants, and the often tiny size of lesions can hinder precise evaluation of the anatomic structures and particularly the pituitary gland itself. Radiologists and endocrinologists will find MRI of the Pituitary Gland to be full of helpful information on this essential examination, and the book will also be of interest to internists and neurosurgeons.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim’s appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

Neurotransmitters and Anterior Pituitary Function discusses research findings on neurotransmitter-neurohormone interactions in the control of the anterior pituitary. This book contains five chapters that specifically tackle the most salient constituents of the neural-endocrine communication system in mammals. This book deals first with the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of proved or putative neurotransmitters, as well as some of the techniques used for determining their synthesis or turnover in the central nervous system (CNS) of experimental animals or in man. These topics are followed by a discussion on the principal functions of the most well-known neurotransmitter containing neurons based on sophisticated techniques for neurotransmitter measurements. A chapter highlights both traditional and a vast series of developed drugs that affect both neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine function. Discussions then shift to the experimental evidence on pituitary function control by the brain through releasing and inhibiting hormones secreted by hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells; the chemical isolation, identification, and synthesis of hypothalamic neurohormones; and concepts of their mechanism of action at the level of the pituitary cells. This text further explores the role of specific brain neurotransmitters in controlling pituitary hormone secretions in both experimental animals and in man and the possible CNS site(s) where neurotransmitters and neurohormones interact for the control of anterior pituitary secretion. The concluding chapter describes the actual or potential application of neuropharmacologic approaches to the diagnosis of and therapy for specific disorders of neuroendocrine function. Clinical neuroendocrinologists and researchers and students in neuroendocrinology, neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, and psychiatry will find this book invaluable.

The pituitary gland is an important one since it controls several of the other hormone glands, such as the thyroid and adrenals. A pituitary adenoma is an abnormal growth or tumor in this gland, and they are the subject of very active clinical and pathological research. This book examines the latest developments in this field and discusses the most important molecules implicated in apoptosis, angiogenesis and signal transduction. A good understanding of these processes is needed to identify the best therapies. Facilitates the understanding of the processes involved and how they are translated into therapy Illustrations are used to explain the complex mechanisms involved

This book presents, in a stepwise and interactive fashion, approximately 75 cases that reflect the wide spectrum of pathology encountered in this region. Each case description commences with a concise clinical scenario. High-quality radiologic, laboratory, and histopathologic images depicting the differentiating features of the lesion subtype in question are then presented, and key operative and clinical management pearls are briefly reviewed. The interdisciplinary nature of this easy-to-use color atlas and textbook reflects the fact that the management of patients with sellar and parasellar lesions is itself often interdisciplinary. The format is unique in that no similar interdisciplinary book is available on lesions of this region of the brain. Atlas of Sellar and Parasellar Lesions: Clinical, Imaging, and Pathologic Correlations is of great value for practitioners and trainees in a range of medical specialties, including radiology, neurology, endocriniology, pathology, oncology, radiation oncology, and neurosurgery.