THE FUNCTION OF THE CAROTID GLAND 1. THE ACTION OF EXTRACTS OF A CAROTID GLAND TUMOR IN MAN

Abstract

I. Extracts of this tumor, which was histologically similar to normal carotid gland, produced: rhythmical contraction of virgin guinea pig uterus; a fall of blood pressure in cats and rabbits. This substance, called carotidin, differs in its properties from acetylcholine, adenylic acid, "Kallikrein" or histamine. Its action on blood pressure, heart rate and virgin uterus is opposite to that of adrenaline. The gland contains the active principle in high concn.[long dash]II. Extracts of carotid glands of sharks and sting rays contained two active principles: one, a vaso-pressor principle with action similar to adrenaline on rabbit duodenum, blood pressure and heart rate; the other, a vaso-depressor principle similar to carotidin in its effect on blood pressure and on virgin guinea pig uterus.