A 50-year-old man came with the complaint of a headache and raised intracranial tension. Radiological examination revealed a brain tumor compressing Supraoptic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Which of the following hormone is decreased?
## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of neuroendocrine relationships, specifically the role of the hypothalamus in regulating pituitary function. The **supraoptic nucleus** is a part of the hypothalamus that produces **antidiuretic hormone (ADH)**, also known as **vasopressin**, which is then transported to and released from the posterior pituitary gland.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Compression of the **supraoptic nucleus** by a brain tumor would disrupt the production or transport of **ADH (vasopressin)**. ADH plays a crucial role in regulating water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the collecting ducts of the kidneys. A decrease in ADH would lead to **diabetes insipidus**, characterized by polyuria (excessive urine production) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). Therefore, the hormone that is decreased in this scenario is **ADH**.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While **oxytocin** is also produced by the hypothalamus, specifically by the **paraventricular nucleus** and to a lesser extent by the **supraoptic nucleus**, the primary issue described would more directly impact ADH production or transport.
- **Option B:** **Growth hormone** is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and regulated by the hypothalamus through **GHRH** and **somatostatin**, not directly by the supraoptic nucleus.
- **Option C:** **Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)** is produced by the hypothalamus but is involved in the regulation of the **HPA axis** through its action on the anterior pituitary to release **ACTH**, not directly related to the supraoptic nucleus.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that **diabetes insipidus** due to a problem in the **supraoptic nucleus** or posterior pituitary is often referred to as **central diabetes insipidus**, and it can be treated with **desmopressin**, a synthetic analogue of ADH.
## **Correct Answer:** . ADH (Vasopressin)