Final answer:
In cases of CNS diseases, elevated prolactin levels are a common alteration in pituitary secretion. Tumors in the pituitary gland often lead to hypersecretion of hormones, such as an excessive growth hormone, causing issues like gigantism. CNS-related changes can affect a range of pituitary secretions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pituitary gland is a crucial part of the endocrine system and has significant effects on the body's hormone balance. Many Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases are associated with alterations in pituitary secretion. One common alteration in pituitary secretion that is seen with CNS diseases is elevated prolactin levels. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in nursing mothers but also has other biological roles.
Hypersecretion of hormones by the pituitary gland is often caused by a tumor. Tumors can cause excessive growth hormone which, if it occurs during childhood, results in a condition known as gigantism. However, other pituitary secretions can also be altered depending on the nature of the CNS disease. For example, both the adrenal and pituitary glands can develop tumors, which in the case of the adrenal gland might lead to Cushing's Syndrome due to hypersecretion of cortisol. Therefore, abnormal pituitary secretion can take many forms depending on the particular pathology involved.