Transorbital pituitary stalk section in primates

Abstract

✓ Pituitary stalk section through the orbit by microsurgical technique is described in eight monkeys. The use of the microscope and the approach through the optic foramen minimize incidental injury. Under these circumstances experiments designed to study neuroendocrine relationships may be carried out free of errors introduced by damage to the temporal lobe or hypothalamus. Plasma cortisol drops to very low levels, but still support life. Growth hormone output is negligible.