MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 3. ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF BODY FUNCTION SELF-REGULATION

ENDOCRINE GLANDS AND THEIR PATHOLOGY

PITUITARY GLAND

2. PATHOLOGY OF THE ADENOHYPOPHYSIS

2.4. Cushing's Disease

Cushing's disease is a severe neuroendocrine disorder whose Pathogenesis is rooted in the disruption of regulatory mechanisms within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Cushing's disease should be distinguished from Cushing's syndrome. The latter term is used in cases of hormonally active adrenal tumors (benign or malignant) whose Cells predominantly produce glucocorticoids.

Most commonly, Cushing's disease is caused by a basophilic Adenoma of the Pituitary Gland. However, it remains unproven whether these tumors represent a primary lesion or whether their development is linked to pathology in higher centers of the Central Nervous system.

The pathogenesis of Cushing's disease is based on the Excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the secretion of cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and androgens by the adrenal cortex, leading to The Development of hypercortisolism. The disease is more frequently observed in women. Its manifestations include progressive upper-body obesity (affecting the face and trunk), arterial Hypertension, steroid Diabetes Mellitus, and secondary ovarian dysfunction. Due to impaired Protein METABOLISM, Muscle atrophy occurs and red striae appear on the Skin. Rapid fat deposition and impaired Collagen synthesis lead to The formation of stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen and thighs. The catabolic effect of glucocorticoids on Bone tissue results in Osteoporosis. Large amounts of calcium are excreted by the Kidneys, contributing to Nephrolithiasis, secondary Pyelonephritis, and renal failure.