STUDIES ON THE PATHOLOGICAL PHYSIOLOGY OF THE EXOPHTHALMOS OF GRAVES' DISEASE

Abstract

Thyroxine protects against the development of exophthalmos in rabbits, guinea pigs, and probably in man. The use of I gradually reduces the incidence of exophthalmos. The mechanism of exophthalmos production is probably due to excess action of some ant. pituitary hormone directly or indirectly through the gonads on a sympathetic center in the hypothalamus with an accompanying decrease of thyroxine. Gonadectomy in rabbits prevents development of exophthalmos. High P and low Ca diets produce exptl. goiter and exophthalmos. Subtotal thyroidectomies associated with subnormal metabolic rates increase incidence of malignant or paradoxical exophthalmos.