CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM

Abstract

The frequent association of acromegaly and diabetes mellitus first drew attention to the possible relationship of the pituitary body to carbohydrate metabolism. The experimental and clinical investigations of Goetsch, Cushing and Jacobson,¹which showed that states of hypopituitarism are accompanied by an increased tolerance for sugars, appeared to be a strong argument in favor of the view that this clinical condition is the opposite of acromegaly. In a later investigation of this matter Weed, Cushing and Jacobson²concluded that the glycosuria produced in animals by stimulation of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion was effected by liberation of a pituitary hormone released by impulses which reached the hypophysis. More recently added impetus has been given to the study of this relation between the hypophysis and carbohydrate metabolism by the work of Houssay and Biasotti.³These investigators have shown that in hypophysectomized dogs and other species removal of the