THE TESTICLE AND THE OVARY 389 



than those left unoperated upon, but this result may be due to their 

 feeding more regularly and without disturbance from recurrent 

 ocstrous periods.^ The deposition of fat which is so often seen after 

 the menopause is to be regarded as further evidence of a connection 

 between the functional ovaries and the general metabolism. 



The existence of such a functional correlation is shown more 

 clearly by the effects of ovariotomy upon the bone disease known 

 as osteomalacia.^ The ovaries undoubtedly exert a marked influence 

 over the phosphorus metabolism, and the improvement which sets in 

 after the removal cif these organs in cases of osteomalacia is apparently, 

 brought about by a retention of the earthy phosphates whereby the 

 skeletal tissues acquire their normal rigidity. Unfortunately, the 

 experimental work which has so far been done upon the phosphorus 

 and calcium metabolism in normal and castrated animals is too 

 contradictory to admit of the deduction of any conclusions that are 

 calculated to throw much light upon the phenomena of osteomalacia.^ 

 Blair Bell,* however, records a reduction of fifty per cent, in the 

 calcium excretion of cats after ovariotomy, and with this he correlates 

 the fact that in young animals there is generally an increase in 

 the length of the long bones after ovariotomy, as well as the just 

 mentioned case of osteomalacia being cured by the same operation. 



The protein metabolism of castrated animals has been investigated 

 by Liithje/ who records no changes as a consequence of the removal 

 of the generative glands. Certain other investigators, as a result of 

 shorter series of experiments, have obtained trifling effects, sometimes 

 showing a slight increase in the nitrogenous output and sometimes a 

 diminution.' 



Experiments upon the respiratory exchange have been almost 

 equally inconclusive, and have so far failed to show any constant 

 alteration as a consequence of castration. This question is discussed 

 at some length by von Noorden,^ who calls attention to the necessity 



' Mackenzie and Marshall, "Physiology and Bacon Curing," Jour. Roy. Agric. 

 Sac, vol. Ixxvi., 1915. See also "On Ovariotomy in Sows," Joiir. Agric. Soc, 

 vols, iv., v., vi., vii., 1911-16. 



2 In one case of osteomalacia Krbnig removed the ovaries and transplanted 

 them on to the peritoneum. The result was immediately beneficial ; but with 

 the return of menstruation, which followed after about two months, the 

 symptoms of the disease are said to have reasserted themselves (Stuttgart 

 Medical Congress, Zeitsch. f. Gyndk., 1906). See also Fraenkel, " Ovarialanti- 

 korper und Osteomalacia," Munch, med. WocJienschr., No. 25, 1908. 



* Von Noorden, Metabolism and Practical Medicine, English Edition, edited 

 by Walker Hall, vol. i., London, 1907 (see above, p. 298). According to Wallart, 

 "Ueber das Verhalten der interstiellen Eierstocksdruse bei Osteomalacia," 

 Zeitsch. f. Qeh. und Gyndk., vol. Ixi., 1908, osteomalacia is correlated with an 

 increase of the interstitial cells in the ovary. 



* Blair Bell, loc. dt. 



^ Luthje, "Ueber die Kastration und ihre Folgen," Experim. Archiv, 

 vol. xlviii., 1902, and vol. 1., 1903. 



" Von Noorden, loc. cit. '' Ibid. 



