

ADENOLOGY. THE ENDOCRINOUS GLANDS AND THEIR EXTRACTS 281 



is an intimate relationship between the ovary and the menstrual function. 

 When the ovaries are completely removed, menses are terminated. Pre- 

 sumably the institution of menses is due to some change in the glandular 

 function of the ovary at puberty, and it is noteworthy that at this time 

 also the development of the distinctively feminine characteristics of form 

 and feature take place, these being stimulated, it is thought, by the ovarian 

 secretion. 



The changes which occur at the menopause, both in the physical and 

 mental characteristics of the woman, suggest that here, too, we have a 

 marked alteration in the character of the ovarian activity; apparently 

 there is a cessation of that phase of the function which is instituted at 

 puberty. 



It was formerly believed that the internal secretion of the ovary was 

 elaborated by the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum in the non-preg- 

 nant state degenerated and shrinks up in a very short time, but if the 

 ovum has been impregnated it persists for several months. It is now 

 known that the corpus luteum is not the sole source of the secretion of the 

 ovary, and by many it is beheved that it is not even the more important 

 one. One thing is certain, however: the corpus luteum does represent 

 an active element of internal secretion. 



Both corpora lutea and desiccated ovarian glands (ovarian substance) 

 have been extensively used in the treatment of natural as well as arti- 

 ficial "change of life." The best results have been obtained in the treat- 

 ment of artificial menopause — ^by "artificial" meaning cases in which for 

 some reason it has been necessary to remove the ovaries completely or 

 in part. In other words, these products are of advantage in cases where 

 an insufficient amount of ovarian tissue is present to adequately supply 

 the physiological demands of the body. The symptoms commonly oc- 

 curring are often completely controlled. 



Ovarian treatment has been used with some success in infantiHsm of the 

 genital organs, but is must be borne in mind that such conditions are often 

 associated with pituitary disease. The vomiting of pregnancy is occa- 

 sionally relieved by ovarian treatment, too, but as a rule this condition 

 responds better to the use of suprarenal extracts. 



6. The Mammary Gland.— It has not been definitely established that 

 the mammary glands have a function other than the secretion of milk, 

 but there is considerable reason to believe that they elaborate some sub- 

 stance which influences ovarian activity; certainly there is no question 

 as to the intimate relationship existing between the ovaries and mamma- 

 ries. It is interesting to note, however, that the striking development 

 of these glands during pregnancy is quite independent of the ovaries; 

 if the ovaries be completely removed from pregnant animals, the mamma- 



