236 BILE. 



INTERNAL SECRETIONS (continued). 



The Thymus Gland, derived from sheep, produces an acceleration of pulse, 

 from direct action on the heart ; and a fall in blood-pressure, from paralysis of the 

 vasoconstrictors. 



Therapeutics. It has been used for exophthalmic goiter, but not with encourag- 

 ing success. 



The Pituitary Body (extracts of the pars intermedia) causes a slowing of the 

 heart, from both centric inhibition and local action ; and a rise in blood-pressure from 

 stimulation of the vasoconstrictor fibers. It also causes, by local action, a contraction 

 of the muscles of all vessels and organs, except in the kidney, where there is produced 

 a dilatation of the vessels, with a great increase of urine. 



Therapeutics. Not as yet satisfactorily developed, though used with much ap- 

 parent success in obstetrics. Liquor Hypophysis, I mil. 



Ovarian Extract does not seem to have yielded any pharmacological data, as yet. 

 It has been used with more or less success in combating the nervous and nutritional 

 disturbances accompanying the normal or artificial menopause. 



FERMENTS. 



Pepsin is a ferment derived from the stomach of the pig. 



Its sole known action is that of proteolysis, acting in an acid medium only. 

 Its use is indicated in those rare conditions where there is known absence of pep- 

 sin in the gastric secretion. 



Dose. Pepsinum, 0.2 to 0.6 Gm. 



Pancreatin is obtained from the fresh pancreas of the pig. 



Pancreatin acts in an alkaline medium. It splits proteins, converts starches to 

 sugars, and saponifies and emulsifies fats. 



It can be used for its digestive properties, but is quickly rendered inert by a short 

 exposure to acid gastric juice. Its chief medicinal value is obtained when used to pre- 

 digest food for weak invalids, and to split the proteins of nutrient enemata, so they 

 are more readily absorbable by the rectal mucosa. 



Dose. Pancreatinum, 0.5 Gm. 



BILE. 



Bile is obtained from the ox. When administered by mouth, bile is absorbed from 

 the stomach and intestines and carried to the liver, where it stimulates the secretion 

 of both the liquid and solid constituents of bile. 



Bile might, therefore, be used as a cholagogue if any indication for such use 

 were known. 



Dose. Extractum Fellis Bovis, o.i Gm. 



