Gastric Hormon in the Salivary Glands. 115 



In view of the importance both of the results and of the con- 

 clusions presented in this communication, any attempt at confirma- 

 tion of them would seem worthy of brief notice. An opportunity 

 to make this attempt was given us through the kindness of Dr. 

 Cushing who furnished us with two dogs with simple gastric fistulse. 



It was therefore decided to make a few experiments with the 

 idea of testing directly whether or not extracts of the salivary 

 glands are capable of stimulating a flow of gastric juice. If Hem- 

 meter's main contention be correct, it would be supposed that the 

 gastric hormon obtained by extracting the salivary glands should 

 produce a decided effect upon the secretion of gastric juice, when 

 introduced directly into the blood of a living animal. It is to be 

 noted that in our experiments extracts were made only of the sub- 

 maxillary gland, and that these extracts were injected intravenously 

 only into normal animals, not into animals with the salivary glands 

 removed. 



It may be stated at once that the results of these experiments ivere 

 entirely negative, and, so far as they go, they fail to corroborate 

 Hemmcter s view of the presence of a gastric hormon in the salivary 

 glands. The details of the experiments are as follows : 



Dog I. Operation. Simple gastric fistula. Wound healed 

 per primum. 



Extract. Two submaxillary glands from a healthy dog which 

 died during the first operation under morphin-ether anesthesia, 

 the glands being removed immediately after death. Glands at 

 once (5.30 P. M., Nov. 9) macerated with sand in 0.7 per cent. 

 NaCl, boiled and filtered. Put sterile in ice-box. Again filtered 

 and sterilized before injection. 



November 11, 190J. Animal appeared to have distemper ; 

 feverish with slight discharge from eyes and nose. Was thin and 

 janitor said had little appetite. Last food twelve hours previously. 

 3.45 P.M. Stomach catheterized and found empty. Dog allowed 

 to run about room. 4.00. Catheterized. About 1 5 c.c. clear 

 juice with a few fine floculi. 4.15. Catheter continuously in 

 stomach. Dog quiet and contented. Ear vein exposed by slight 

 skin incision. 4.30. About 15-20 c.c. salivary extract injected 

 intravenously. No juice. 4. 50. Dog allowed to smell cracker. 

 Gush of a few drops of fluid from catheter coincident with act. 



