Question

How would damage to the posterior pituitary gland affect the production and release of ADH and inhibiting hormones?

Short answer

Absence of hypothalamic function over the release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is caused by posterior pituitary damage. It may lead to excessive secretion or Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) with Inadequate Sodium Content (hyponatraemia).

Step-by-step solution

Step: 1 Effects of the posterior pituitary gland on production

• A little gland called the pituitary is found beneath the hypothalamus at the the base of the brain.
• The two main problems associated with the posterior pituitary are hypersecretion (excessive production) and hyposecretion (insufficient production) of oxytocin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH, or vasopressin).
• Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is hypo secreted as a consequence of reduced ADH production in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland secretion.

Step: 2 Discharge of ADH

• An rise in blood osmolarity causes the hypothalamus to release ADH.
• ADH is a chemical that is created in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain.
• The pituitary gland, located near the base of the brain, then releases it.