Pituitary Function in Chronic Alcoholism

Abstract

Previous studies of pituitary function in alcoholics have in general concentrated on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and there have now been a considerable number of reports describing disturbances of this system. We have recently extended our investigations to include other aspects of pituitary function, in particular the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. We have performed combined pituitary function tests in a group of chronic alcoholic patients admitted to West Park Hospital. All patients in the study had been drinking heavily right up to the time of admission to hospital and all tests were performed within the first 48 or 72 hours of admission. The tests performed included a short ACTH (Synacthen) stimulation test and a standard insulin stress test combined with stimulation tests using thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) and luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH).(1)