[The functional state of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system in tumors of the pituitary and diencephalic area].

A study was made of 38 persons, including 25--with acromegaly, 5--with chromophobic adenomas of the hypophysis, 3--with diencephalic tumours and 5 healthy individuals. STH, TTH and ACTH were determined in the blood plasma with the aid of radioimmunological methods under basic conditions and L-DOPA loading (10 mg per 1 kg of weight) with insulin (0.10 U/kg). There was an increase in the plasma content of STH, TTH and ACTH with a maximum 60 min after the administration of L-DOPA. In the patients with acromegaly STH increased considerably, and in cases with chromophobic adenomas and diencephalic tumours--less. ACTH level was also elevated. STH and ACTH level rose after insulin hypoglycemia. Possible mechanisms of a stimulating action of L-DOPA and insulin are discussed.