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This Review summarizes the data showing that adipocytes express the specific receptors for nearly all known pituitary hormones and hypothalamic releasing factors. The existence of a hypothalamic–pituitary–adipose axis is therefore most likely. The name “adipotropins” is suggested to characterize pituitary hormones and hypothalamic releasing factors that act directly on adipocytes.
Prolactinomas are the most common hormone-secreting pituitary tumors. Treatment with dopamine agonists can stabilize disease and recent evidence suggests that in many cases therapy can be subsequently withdrawn without relapse. This Viewpoint discusses the safety and efficacy of dopamine agonist withdrawal and the optimal timing of this approach.
Niacin therapy has beneficial effects on lipid profiles and might afford some protection against coronary artery disease; however, prescription of niacin has been limited. In this Viewpoint, the author considers whether using niacin might pose a risk in patients presenting with insulin resistance or the metabolic syndrome in the absence of diabetes.