Primary hyperaldosteronism: a pituitary--adrenal dysfunction related to a new pituitary glycopeptide?

A novel glycopeptide has been isolated from human and porcine pituitary glands. This substance is the amino-terminal fragment of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). The complete amino acid sequence has been determined. When tested for its steroid stimulating activity on an aldosterone secreting human adrenocortical adenoma, it was found to be more potent than angiotensin and ACTH. These results raise the interesting possibility that primary hyperaldosteronism could be related to a pituitary adrenal dysfunction.