METABOLISM AND THE PARS GLANDULARIS 



phic changes in the parathyroids occurred in about two-thirds 

 of a group of hypophysectomized dogs. However, if thyroid- 

 ectomy or pancreatectomy had also been performed, atro- 

 phy of the parathyroids was present in all the animals. At 

 least in dogs there appears to be no unequivocal change 

 (diminution) in the concentration of calcium in the blood 

 after hypophysectomy. 



Anselmino, Hoffmann, and Herold (1933-34) concluded 

 that a "parathyrotropic" hormone can be extracted from the 

 pars glandularis. They stated that a suitable extract caused 

 hyperplasia of the chief cells as well as hypertrophy of the 

 parathyroids (200-300 per cent) in male rats weighing about 

 150 g. According to Hertz and Kranes (1934), the para- 

 thyroid glands of the rabbit may be grossly larger and more 

 vascular after the administration of anterior-lobe extract. 

 Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the cells of the parathyroids 

 were often observed microscopically. These effects, however, 

 were also produced by pregnancy-urine or oestrone. Anterior 

 pituitary extracts have been said to cause an increase, or a 

 diminution, or no change in the concentration of calcium in 

 the blood. ^ It is not possible to conclude, on the basis of the 

 available evidence, that there exists an anterior pituitary 

 "parathyrotropic" hormone. At least, some data from hypo- 

 physectomized animals should be secured. 



The interrelationship between the anterior pituitary and the 



3 According to Hogben and Charles (1932), the concentration of calcium in the 

 blood is reduced after the injection of a suspension of fresh anterior lobe (ox) into 

 female rabbits (before injection, I4.5 mg. per cent; after injection, 11.5 mg. per cent 

 in normal rabbits, and 12.8 mg. per cent in ovariectomized rabbits). Dixon (1933) 

 could detect no change in the concentration of the blood calcium in female rats 

 after they had received an anterior pituitary extract which caused luteinization of 

 the ovaries. Hoffmann and Anselmino (1934) found an increased concentration of 

 calcium in the blood after the injection of an anterior-lobe extract (Rat: before in- 

 jection, 10.6 mg. per cent; after injection, 12.0 mg. per cent. Parathyroidectomized 

 rat: before injection, 9.2 mg. per cent; after injection, 9.6 mg. per cent. Normal 

 dog: before injection, 10.8 mg. percent; after injection, 12.5 mg. percent). Teel and 

 Gushing (1930) injected anterior pituitary extract into the dog every day; several 

 days after treatment was begun, an increased amount of calcium was excreted in 

 the urine. 



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