Periodic Administration of Anterior Pituitary Extract as Affecting the Metabolism of Rats on Diets of Different Composition

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Abstract
The effects of limited treatment (3 days) of rats with saline anterior pituitary extract have been studied with respect to the disposition of the nutrient energy of a balanced diet, and of diets characterized by excess of protein, carbohydrate and fat. Measurements of the energy metabolism and the secretion of urinary N and C were made under each of the dietary treatments. A standardized feeding method for the treated and the control rats was used to assure experimental uniformity and nutritional adjustment to the diets prior to the metabolism measurements. Under all dietary conditions the A.P.E. decreased the katabolism of protein, but stimulated the oxidation of nonprotein nutrients. The latter effect overbalanced the former, so that the total heat production was increased. The extra heat resulted from a true stimulation of cellular metabolism, and not from the accelerated oxidation of any particular nutrient.