DETERMINATION OF THE SPECIFIC DYNAMIC ACTION OF PROTEIN AND ITS VALUE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PITUITARY DISEASE*

Abstract

The S.D.A. in 264 patients was determined by basal metabolism tests, 2 hrs. after the ingestion of a small protein meal of 3 egg whites, toast and tea. The average in pituitary cases was 4.47; in controls, 16.3. The incidence of a S.D.A. below 10 was 86% in pituitary cases; 21% in controls. In 12 cases S.D.A. increased after prolonged treatment with anterior pituitary extracts and thyroid. Cases having pituitary tumor or ovarian deficiency showed high S.D.A. Determination of S.D.A. after a small protein meal is valuable in diagnosis of pituitary disease.