CHAPTER IV. 

 PATHOLOGY OF THE ADRENALS. 



FUNCTION OF THE SUPRARENAL GLANDS. 



The suprarenal glands are made up of a cortical and a 

 medullary part, which seem to be distinct from each other, 

 both in their physiological and pathogenic functions. 



To the two adrenal glands are connected a whole group 

 of formations, the structure of which resembles either the 

 structure of the medulla or of the cortex and which con- 

 stitute all together a suprarenal system, scattered along 

 the greater sympathetic. 



Since the first experiments of Brown-Sequard (1856) a 

 number of physiologists have shown the vital importance 

 of this organ. 



While the removal of one capsule is without any appre- 

 ciable effect, that of both glands will cause the following 

 symptoms : the animal becomes listless, stays stationary, 

 moves his legs with difficulty, shows an extreme fatigue 

 and muscular weakness. This asthenia progresses, while 

 at the same time respiration becomes slower and the heart 

 beat becomes weaker, while the blood pressure falls. 

 Vomiting occurs, accompanied by diarrhea, the animal 

 loses weight and dies very shortly from convulsions 

 or syncope. 



A double removal of the adrenals causes in animals : 



1. Muscular disturbances: decrease in muscular work. 



2. Cardio vascular disturbances: decrease in blood 

 pressure and acceleration of the heart. 



3. Digestive disturbances : anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea. 



4. General disturbances: hypothermia, loss of weight, 

 and particularly loss of muscular tissue. 



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