RÔLE OF THE THYROID IN THE CARBOHYDRATE DISTURBANCE WHICH FOLLOWS HYPOPHYSECTOMY

Abstract

Intramusc. inj. of thyroxine in hypophysectomized dogs maintained a normal blood sugar level in them throughout long periods of fasting, in contrast to the prompt hypoglycemia which occurs in untreated fasting hypophysectomized animals. Thyroxine also increased their urinary N excretion to that of fasted normal dogs; it did not diminish their hypersensitivity to insulin. Secondary atrophy of the thyroid gland in the hypophysectomized animal probably plays an important part in the decreased endogenous protein catabolism and the related carbohydrate disturbance, but is apparently not the cause of insulin hypersensitivity. A tentative scheme representing the various influences of the ant. hypophysis on carbohydrate metabolism is ventured.