198 ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



ing to about one-half of the gland of an ox). In acromegalia, 

 organo therapy often does not give any results; its use, 

 furthermore, seems illogical in an affection which is 

 probably due to a hyperfunction of the gland. Some 

 writers, however, claim that they have been able to get a 

 decrease in the headache ; others have found an increase in 

 the disturbances and even real osteogenetic stimulation. 

 If, therefore, pituitary extract is used in gigantism of 

 acromegalia, it should be done very cautiously. 



It seems to give variable results in adiposo genitalis and 

 in infantilism. When these syndromes are caused by a 

 tumor of the gland, the action of organo therapy is, of 

 course, valueless. When, however, inflammatory lesions 

 are the cause, then organo therapy often is very beneficial. 

 Lereboullet recommends giving a combination of pituitrin 

 with very small doses of thyroid. Etiological treatment 

 can, and should, be instituted, if there is the possibility of 

 a luetic affection. 



The two most definite indications of organo therapy are 

 pituitary polyuria and infectious diseases. 



(a) Pituitary Polyuria. A certain number of observers 

 have established beyond doubt the anti-diuretic action 

 of pituitary extract. Oral medication by means of the 

 extract is inefficient, but the subcutaneous injection of 

 the extract of the posterior lobe (equivalent to one-half 

 the posterior lobe of an ox) causes an immediate improve- 

 ment. On the same day the quantity of urine excreted 

 will be reduced one-half and in a few days brought back 

 to normal. The action is only temporary and rarely lasts 

 more than twenty -four hours. Polyuria re-appears as 

 soon as organo therapy is discontinued (Lereboullet and 

 Faure-Beaulieu). This therapeutic action can only be 

 obtained by sufficiently active medication. 



