Experimental Studies on the Influence of Endocrine Functions upon the Erythrocyte Respiration

Abstract

The author investigated the erythrocyte respiration in left ventricle blood of endocrine eviscerated rabbit and the effect of different hormone upon it. Oxygen consumption was measured by means of the direct Warburg's method, and coefficient of respiration was calculated.The results were summarized as followings.(1) In the experimental hyperthyroidism by the thyradin injection, QO2 of erythrocyte is remarkably enhanced, but QCo2 does not show any variation.(2) On the other hand, in the experimental hypothyroidism by bilateral thyroidectomy, the erythrocyte respiration decreases after long times. (about thirty days).(3) By the injection of cortisone acetate, QO2 does not show any variation distinctly, but QCo2 and RQ are suppressed.(4) By the injection of desoxycorticosterone acetate, the erythrocyte respiration is remarkably suppressed.(5) By the bilateral adrenalectomy, the erythrocyte respiration decreases remarkably.(6) When a small quantity of testosterone propionate was injected on the male rabbits, the erythrocyte respiration is enhanced, but on the female this tendency is not distinct.(7) By the extirpation of the testicles, the erythrocyte respiration decreases after long time. (about fifty days).(8) When a small quantity of estradiol benzoate was injected, the erythrocyte respiration is suppressed. Especially, this tendency is remarkable on the males.(9) By the extirpation of the ovaries, the erythrocyte respiration was not influenced after long time. (about fifty days).(10) From the overmentioned results, I can presume that the erythrocyte respiration was influenced by endocrine functions excepting the effects of the blood regeneration showed by the variations of reticulocyte count.