The hypophysis and resistance to intoxications, infections and tumors

Abstract

In the early days of the study of endocrine glands it was thought that they possessed antitoxic functions. The disorders due to glandular insufficiency were attributed to toxins arising from metabolic processes, or absorbed from the intestine. The toxins were thought to accumulate in the body because of the fact that they were neither destroyed in the gland itself, nor neutralized in the blood or tissues by the glandular secretions. This antitoxic theory has deservedly collapsed, since the supposed toxins have not been isolated, nor has their existence been demonstrated in a way that would explain the functional disorders of the different glandular insufficiencies. On the other hand, several hormones are now known, and some have been isolated in a pure state. These hormones prevent or cure the metabolic and other functional symptoms of the respective glandular deficiencies and, if given in excess, even produce signs of glandular hyperactivity.