Effect of pituitary ultrasonic treatment on plasma human growth hormone levels in diabetic retinopathy and acromegaly

Summary Sixteen diabetic patients presenting advanced retinopathy and 6 patients with acromegaly underwent ultrasonic treatment (UST) of the pituitary, according to Arslan’s method. In the diabetic retinopathy patients, circadian variations of plasma human growth hormone (HGH) levels were studied as well as the response to insulin stimulation, previous to and 7 days after the operation. Five patients were also studied 3 months post-ultrasonic treatment. Preoperative HGH plasma levels were normal and no reduction was observed following operation. Acromegalic patients were rested for oral glucose tolerance and insulin response, before and 7 days after operation. High pre-operatory HGH levels fell appreciably after operation, but the reduction was not significant. Our data demonstrate that high plasma levels of HGH are not always found in diabetes and that even after UST of the pituitary, there does not seem to be a relationship between degree of pituitary inhibition and clinical results. On the other hand, ultrasonic treatment of the pituitary in acromegalic patients determines partial hypophyseal inhibition. Research carried out with C.N.R. funds, Contract No. 73.00507.04.