THE EFFECT OF FASTING ON THE BLOOD SUGAR OF HEREDITARY DWARF MICE

Abstract

Fasting for 48, 72, and 96 hrs. caused no greater decrease in the blood sugar of hereditary dwarf mice (which lack the acidophil cells of the ant. lobe of the pituitary gland) than in that of normal mice. Assuming that the hypophysis secretes a hormone which contributes to the maintenance of a normal glycemic level, the results demonstrated that the presence of the acidophil cells was not essential for this function.