Abstract
The effect of radiation on the normal hypothalamic - pituitary unit is not known. In the present work an attempt is made to study prospectively the effect of irradiation on the “intact” hypothalamic pituitary axis in children. Nine leukemic children, aged 2½–13 years without clinical or laboratory evidence, of CNS involvement were studied. Plasma growth hormone (PGH) was determined by radioimmunoassay in samples obtained hourly from 8 pm to 7 am before and after a 3-week course of “prophylactic” cranial irradiation (2400 rods). The mean hourly PGH value prior to irradiation (4.1±1.6 ng/ml) was similar to that of 6 endocrinologically normal children (4.09±2.4 ng/ml), a finding strongly suggesting normal pituitary function prior to irradiation. Following irradiation the corresponding PGH value (2.7±1.6 ng/ml) was lower than before (p <0.02). The findings suggest an immediate suppressive effect of irradiation on the apparently normal hypothalamic pituitary axis
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Dacou-Voutetakis, C., Xypolita, A., Chaidas, S. et al. IRRADIATION OF THE HEAD. IMMEDIATE EFFECT ON GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION IN CHILDHOOD. Pediatr Res 9, 686 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197508000-00115
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197508000-00115