Pituitary Stimulation Signals for Endogenous Hormone Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stimulating the pituitary gland to treat or prevent diseases or symptoms, such as cancer-associated pain, often use high-energy electrical stimuli that can cause damage and are limited to oncological pain, without addressing molecular mechanisms and potential side effects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving an object positioned near the pituitary gland or stalk to generate intermittent stimulating signals, preferably electrical, to activate the release of biologically active agents like hormones, mimicking physiological patterns and avoiding desensitization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-energy electrical stimuli are used to stimulate the pituitary gland, then pain relief effect is achieved, but damage to the target area and surrounding areas occurs resulting in undesirable side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from high-energy electrical stimulation to low-energy intermittent stimulating signals. The stimulation parameters are optimized to include specific pulse durations (0.1-10 seconds), frequencies (0.1-100 Hz), and intensities that are sufficient to activate pituitary hormone release without causing tissue damage. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by maintaining therapeutic efficacy while eliminating harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through intermittent stimulation protocols where stimulating signals are delivered in pulses or cycles rather than continuously. The stimulation is administered in intervals (e.g., on-periods followed by off-periods) allowing tissue recovery between stimulation cycles. This periodic approach maintains therapeutic benefit while preventing cumulative tissue damage and undesirable side effects.
2Reliability
If continuous administration of bioactive agents is performed, then disease treatment is effective, but the need for continuous administration creates burden and potential side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by activating the patient's own pituitary gland to produce and release endogenous bioactive agents (hormones) in response to intermittent stimulation. Instead of requiring continuous external administration of synthetic hormones or drugs, the body's natural hormone production system is stimulated to provide therapeutic effects. This self-service approach eliminates the burden of continuous external administration while maintaining treatment effectiveness through the body's own regulatory mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by delivering intermittent stimulation signals that trigger periodic release of endogenous hormones from the pituitary gland. Rather than continuous stimulation, the intermittent protocol allows the hormone release to occur in pulses that mimic natural physiological patterns. This approach maintains effective hormone levels for disease treatment while avoiding the need for continuous external administration.
3Reliability
If high-energy electrical stimulation is used, then pain relief is achieved, but the method is limited to oncological pain and does not address other diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by demonstrating that the intermittent stimulation of the pituitary gland can treat multiple different conditions beyond oncological pain. The same stimulation protocol can be applied for various diseases and symptoms including but not limited to pain management, endocrine disorders, neurological conditions, and other ailments where pituitary hormone release would be beneficial. This multi-functional approach resolves the limitation by making the therapy adaptable to diverse medical applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to adapt the stimulation protocol for different diseases and conditions. By adjusting stimulation parameters such as frequency, duration, intensity, and pattern, the same intermittent stimulation approach can be optimized for various therapeutic indications. This parameter flexibility enables the method to be universally applied across different disease types while maintaining effectiveness for each specific condition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Efficiently treats or prevents diseases or symptoms by utilizing the subject's own pituitary gland as a source of bioactive agents, providing targeted delivery to the brain or central nervous system without causing damage, and overcoming the need for continuous administration.
Implementation Method 1
a device configured to generate at least one stimulating signal in the object, wherein the signal subsequently activates a release of biologically active agents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for use in the treatment or prevention of disease or symptoms thereof, the system comprising: at least one object, wherein the object is configured for being positioned in or adjacent to the pituitary gland or the pituitary stalk of a subject; and a device configured to generate at least one intermittent stimulating signal in the object, wherein the signal subsequently activates a release of biologically active agents.