ENDOCRINE GLANDS 



The internal secretion of the ovary controls menstru- 

 ation, fecundation and gestation. Under normal con- 

 ditions, the secretions of the corpus luteum causes the 

 liberation of the ovule. According to Fraenkel, it has a 

 vaso dilatation action on the blood vessels of the uterus 

 and prepares it to receive the fecundated ovum and assures 

 the ulterior development of the embryo. The experi- 

 mental destruction of the corpus luteum causes an atrophy 

 of the uterus and tubes. In case of gestation, sometimes 

 abortion, sometimes absorption of the egg occurs. By 

 inoculating rabbits with the extract of corpus luteum "a 

 serum has been obtained which prevents gestation. 1 



The internal secretion of the ovary also has a sexual 

 function. X-ray of the ovaries of female rabbits as per- 

 formed by Bouin, Ancel and Villemin causes an atrophy of 

 the ovarian follicles and prevents the formation of corpus 

 luteum. It acts then just as castration and prevents the 

 development of the genitalia and the mammary glands. 



The injection of corpus luteum in castrated females 

 causes a congestion of the genital organs resembling the 

 phenomena of rut. (Marshall and Jolly). 



The nature of the products elaborated by the internal 

 secretions of the ovary are unknown. All that we know is 

 that the extracts of ovary have certain definite physio- 

 logical properties. They have a cardio vascular action, 

 decrease the blood pressure, increase the number of red 

 cells and the percentage of hemoglobin. They have also 

 an action on the respiratory and digestive functions. 

 They increase the renal secretions. They act as stimu- 

 lants of nutrition and increase the elimination of calcium, 

 phosphates and nitrogenous products. Hallion has shown 



1 It is a fact well known to veterinarians that the persistence of a corpus luteum of 

 pregnancy is a cause of sterility in cows. Removal of the cyst restores fertility. The 

 same fact has been noted in women. It is possible that the persistence of a corpus 

 luteum of pregnancy has something to do with the so-called "missed abortion." 



