Hypophysectomy of the cat

Abstract

Abstract The effects of hypophysectomy in the cat have not yet been described in any detail. McLean (1928) removed the pituitary of the cat by a buccal approach, but did not deal with the specific changes in the repro­ductive organs. Allan and Wiles (1932) carried out retropharyngeal and buccal hypophysectomies in pregnant cats with a view to determining the rôle of the posterior lobe in parturition. They give no details as to the effect of the operation on lactation or on the subsequent history of the reproductive organs. In view of the importance of obtaining information about the effect of hypophysectomy in as many species as possible, it seemed desirable to extend the work of these authors on the female and also to investigate the male cat. Hypophysectomy was performed by a parapharyngeal approach similar to that used by Smith (1930) in the rat, and M. Hill and Parkes (1932) in the ferret. This operation differs somewhat from that used by Allan and Wiles, and has, moreover, been facilitated by the use of a tracheal cannula. For comparison with the changes in the repro­ductive organs of the hypophysectomized cat, information as to the normal reproductive processes of this animal has been obtained by an examination, in conjunction with Dr. Parkes, of a large series of normal material, which will form the basis of a separate study.