THE EFFECT ON THE GROWTH RATE OF THYRO-PARATHY-ROIDECTOMY IN NEWBORN RATS AND OF THE SUBSEQUENT ADMINISTRATION OF THYROID, PARATHYROID AND ANTERIOR HYPOPHYSIS12

Abstract

Thyroparathyroidectomy on new-born rats resulted in severe retardation of growth. They showed symptoms of cretinism, including susceptibility to infection. Operated animals given parathyroid injs. beginning with the time of operation showed a growth curve not significantly different from that of untreated operated animals. Normal growth response was not obtained when operated animals were given thyroid alone at the time of operation. Normal growth curves were obtained when the animals were fed thyroid and given parathyroid injs. Pituitary adm. to newborn operated rats after weaning time did not produce a growth response if the animal was completely thyroidectomized. Only where thyroid remnants were demonstrable was a growth response noted.