STUDIES OF THE THYROID APPARATUS. XLVIII AGE, SEX, WEIGHT, AND SEASON AS LETHAL FACTORS IN CONDITIONS OF PARATHYROID AND THYROID DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Age and season are factors influencing the sensitivity of the albino rat to parathyroid deficiency. There is good correlation between the reaction to these influences and the incidence of idiopathic tetany in man. This suggests that the latter disorder is associated with a disturbance of parathyroid function. Since the seasonal increases in sensitivity are not confined to reaction to parathyroid deficiency, but are exhibited to a variety of noxious stimuli, it is probable that they represent periods of decreased resistance to any potentially harmful influence. Initial body weight is also a factor conditioning the mortality rate after parathyroid removal. The mortality is higher in the groups of lower average weight. No evidence is available that sex is a factor.