THE TREATMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL HYPOPARATHYROIDISM IN DOGS

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Abstract
A series of thyroid-parathyroidectomized dogs has been treated with Ca salts, parathyroid extract, vits. D2 and D3, and dihydrotachysterol. With Ca salts tetany could be avoided, but the serum Ca levels remained very low. Parathyroid extract in dosages of 50-100 units/kg. elevated the serum Ca for periods averaging about 5 days. Normal serum Ca levels (above 9 mg. %) prevailed for about 2 to 3 days of this time. On a diet of medium Ca and P content, a single dose of 2 mg./kg. of either vit. D2 or D3 produced a rise in serum Ca of about the desired magnitude (from a base level of 7-8 mg. % to a peak value of 11-12 mg. %) and the effect lasted (i.e., the serum Ca did not fall below 8 mg. %) for 25 to 35 days. There was no significant difference in the duration of the effects of the two vits. It was possible to produce an effect of about the same duration and of slightly greater magnitude by giving 1 mg./kg. of dihydrotachysterol. The quantities mentioned appear to be equivalent for the parathyroidectomized dog. The possible bearing of the observations on the mechanism of the action of the activated sterol is discussed.