Hypophyseal Thyrotropic Mechanism Essential for Occurrence of Diabetes Insipidus in its Maximal Form.

Abstract

The contention that d.i. does not occur in the absence of the pars anterior of the hypophysis has been supported by a number of recent investigations.1 Views differ, however, as to the mechanism of action of the pars anterior in this respect. Barnes and Regan2 and Biasotti3 on the basis of their failure to obtain the usual diuretic effect of anterior lobe extract on thyroidectomized dogs suggested that this diuretic effect was by the thyroids through the hypophyseal thyrotropic principle. Mahoney and Sheehan's4 elimination of d.i. by thyroidectomy strongly suggested that the polydipsia and poly-uria of d.i. is dependent upon thyroid action. This concept has been questioned, to a lesser degree, by Gaebler5 and White and Heinbecker6 on the basis of their failure to duplicate in all respects Barnes and Regan's and Biasotti's results with anterior lobe extracts and more vigorously by Fisher and Ingram7 on the basis of their not being able to duplicate, with cats, Mahoney and Sheehan's results on the dog.Even ...