PTSD's Impact on Pituitary Function

Overview of the research article

The research article is based on the analysis and findings of the altered functions of the pituitary glands in victims of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder, in comparison to those of optimum health. The foundational objective of the research is to determine whether the cortisol induced by PTSD negatively affected the basic functions and volume of the master gland: The pituitary gland. For those delving into similar topics, seeking psychology dissertation help can provide valuable insights and support in navigating complex aspects of research.

In a bid to realize its objective, the research was conducted on 10 PTSD victims, matched to 10 other healthy control subjects by both age and sex. As to the method of recruitment of these test subjects, the advertisement and subscription to participation was voluntary and without inducement. Subjects were recruited at Cedars- Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, in response to advertisements and referrals from treating professionals.

With the optimum functions and volume of the pituitary gland pre-determined, through a number of tests, and in line with the healthy control subjects, inferences could be drawn as to the question contentiously researched on. Different methods were used for this research;

Questionnaires were administered to purposefully confirm and rate the distinctions between the test subjects- whether a PTSD victim or a healthy control subject. Imaging was objectively conducted so as to identify and accurately assess the respective pituitary glands and endocrine tests were subsequently conducted to provide a basis for distinction of the research. These tests eventually helped arrive at an ultimate calculated standing and conclusion.

Rationale behind the article

The pituitary gland, controls and regulates most functions of other endocrinal glands of the human body, hence the name ‘master gland’. Such regulation may entail the production of the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) by the adrenal glands, the endorphins by the Brain and immune system, among others. This regulation and control by the pituitary gland leads to the achievement of the homeostasis state by the body.

Production of the pituitary hormones may be because of a number of reasons; and such overproduction or underproduction of the body’s hormones may result in a variety of symptoms or conditions, such as acromegaly or gigantism, agalactorrhea and hypopituitarism.

The research conducted in this article seeks to prove the variation and alteration of the basic function of the pituitary glands, which is as a result of the Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder but does not outline the effect of the same. It does not point out the dangers of such alterations. This basically merely amplifies the malfunctioning of the pituitary glands in certain researched conditions.

Aims and Objectives of the article

The research paper clearly objectifies the subject of the research to be the determination of the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical links in changes between the basic function and volume of the pituitary gland of a healthy control subject, in comparison to a victim of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The objective is specifically pointed out as to determine whether the induced cortisol by the condition alters the functioning of the pituitary gland.

The aim and purpose of the research is clearly pointed out and the approach taken towards the achievement of this purpose is also systematic. The prospective and controlled study has aided the utilization of effective methods and conduction of tests that led to substantial conclusions.

Critique on methodology

The malfunctioning of the pituitary gland happens in a number of ways, the most common one being caused by a tumor. Malfunctioning basically entails the overproduction or underproduction of the pituitary hormones which may arise from a number of reasons. This is also usually caused by the enlargement or reduction of the volume of the pituitary gland.

Different methods of diagnosis are used to determine the pituitary gland malfunction, for instance, imaging tests; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) can show and help distinguish the volume and shape of the pituitary gland. This can still help arrive to a conclusion. These are the kind of tests that were adopted in the research conducted. Although imaging tests are the most efficient in these kinds of research, it is important to note and inform its users of its negative effects. Unlike the x- rays, MRIs are made without using any ionizing radiation and therefore, there is no exposure to radiation on the subject. However, due to the use of a strong magnet, MRIs should not be conducted on certain subjects; for instance, subjects with implanted pacemakers. The radiofrequency energy used during the MRI scans could also lead to heating of the body; this potential for heating is greater during long scans. The change of magnetic fields of the MRIs with time also create loud knocking noises which may be harmful to hearing if inadequate ear protection is used.

In the measurement of the levels of the pituitary hormones, professionals normally carry out simple blood tests, however, interpretation might be difficult because such levels may vary greatly during the day or in accordance with the body’s needs.

As an evasion of the difficulty in interpretation of the results, professionals conduct tests on another hormone, the insulin- like growth factor 1 (IGF- 1). The IGF- 1 levels usually reflect the overall daily production of growth hormone and the result is usually better than the direct measurement of growth of the hormone levels. The endocrinal tests were plainly conducted, and different hormonal levels assessed (the cortisol, the ACTH, thyroid- stimulating hormone, free T4, prolactin and reproductive hormones). Dexamethasone suppression test was then used to assess the adrenal gland function change by measuring the change present in cortisol levels with the injection of dexamethasone.

To improve efficiency of the results obtained, the ACTH levels were measured by immunoassay and free T4 measured by direct equilibrium dialysis at Quest Diagnostics. UFC, insulin growth factor, testosterone and the dexamethasone levels were differently measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry at Quest Diagnostics. The cortisol and TSH were measured by luminescence and PRL was measured by micro particle enzyme immunoassay.

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Results and Conclusion

The pituitary gland is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the human body. The pea- sized gland located at the base of the brain is responsible for regulation of most of the hormone production in other endocrine glands. The summary of the numerical results by standard deviation for normally distributed variables greatly improved the accuracy of the results. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) and the correlation coefficients calculated and matched in pairs of the normal healthy controlled subjects and victims of PTSD. In average, the mean volume in healthy control test subjects was 835.2 mm3 while in PTSD victims, it was 729.7 mm3. As a result of the significant difference in volume of the pituitary gland in PTSD subjects, it was concluded that UFC levels inversely correlated with PTSD duration. The pituitary volume correlated with ACTH AUC in control subjects but not in the victims of PTSD. ACTH AUC was 262.5 pg/ml in PTSD victims and 244 pg/ml in the healthy control subjects.

The results were compelling as the approach undertaken by the research was clear. The objective and purpose of the research had been met and numerically calculated. It was concluded that the cortisol induced by stress in PTSD victims indeed alters negative feedback on pituitary corticotroph function and pituitary volume. It would have been better if an outline or substantiated disclosure of the effects and dangers of such alteration would have been clearly depicted.