THE RELATION OF ENDOCRINE FUNCTION TO RESISTANCE AND IMMUNITY. I. THE CHANGES IN COMPLEMENT AND RESPONSE TO VACCINIA FOL′LOWING ALTERATIONS IN THYROID, ADRENAL AND PITUITARY FUNCTION IN THE RABBIT AND DOG

Abstract

Changes in serum complement and response to vaccinia were measured in rabbits before and after thyroidectomy (14 rabbits), inj. of thyroxin (5 rabbits), hypophysectomy (9 rabbits), and adrenalectomy (7 rabbits). Following thyroidectomy there was a significant decrease in complement in all of the rabbits, reaching a minimum level at about 40 days. The decrease in complement was such that 100% more serum was required for initial hemolysis. Completeness of thyroidectomy was checked by basal metabolic rate detns. A rise in complement was observed after thyroxin inj. In hypophysectomized rabbits there was a consistent fall in complement, comparable to that seen in thyroid-ectomized rabbits. Following adrenalectomy there was no alteration in complement level. The measurement of serum complement in 168 normal rabbits confirmed its stability in the normal rabbit. Serum complement was measured in 3 dogs before and after adrenalectomy. All were followed until they were killed in severe insufficiency. One dog was restored from severe insufficiency to normal health by cortical extract and later allowed to return to severe insufficiency. No variation in complement beyond the limits of normal for each dog was observed. The response to vaccinia in the rabbit was not altered by thyroidectomy or injected thyroxine. Following adrenalectomy and hypophysectomy there was a delayed and a diminished response respectively.