This Review discusses newly discovered functions of pituitary hormones on bone, adipose tissue and the brain. Mechanisms of pituitary hormone actions on somatic organs and neural function are outlined. The role of dysregulated pituitary hormone function in multiple diseases and the potential for targeting ligands and receptors therapeutically are discussed.

Acute inflammation triggers activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, but whether it could also impede the adrenocortical response to adrenocorticotropic hormone remains controversial. A new study using preclinical models of acute inflammation demonstrates dysregulation of energy metabolism in adrenocortical cells, resulting in oxidative stress that induces disruption of steroidogenesis.

In a new study, an ambulatory microdialysis system combined with ultrasensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry enabled the building of a 24-h high-resolution profile of adrenal steroids in the tissue by sampling interstitial fluid in 214 healthy volunteers. Daily and ultradian variations of eight free steroids, including cortisol and aldosterone, have been demonstrated, which opens new diagnostic perspectives for endocrine diseases.

Regaining weight after successful weight loss is a common problem for people with obesity. This Review discusses the potential physiological mechanisms underlying weight regain after weight loss and possible strategies to counter weight regain.