SUMMARY
The influence of plasma magnesium concentration on parathyroid gland function has been evaluated by perfusion at a constant rate of an isolated parathyroid gland in five goats and one sheep with whole blood of varying magnesium content. The concentration of magnesium in fresh whole blood was adjusted either by dialysis or by the addition of magnesium chloride before the perfusion. In each experiment, the concentration of calcium was maintained constant or was slightly altered to oppose the possible influence of magnesium on the rate of release of parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone concentration in parathyroid venous plasma was estimated by a specific radioimmunoassay.
In each experimental animal we observed that the concentration of parathyroid hormone in the effluent plasma diminished when the concentration of magnesium was raised or increased when the concentration of magnesium was lowered. These observations demonstrate a specific influence of magnesium on the rate of release of parathyroid hormone.
SUMMARYSeven cases of adrenocortical hyperfunction associated with ACTH secreting carcinoid tumours of lung are reported. The clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and treatment are compared with twenty‐one similar cases already recorded. The clinical picture of this disorder shows features of both pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome and of the ectopic ACTH syndrome associated with carcinoma of lung. The problems of accurate diagnosis are described. The effects of treatment, both surgical and medical, of the adrenocortical hyperfunction are described and the problems of identifying and removing the carcinoid tumour are discussed.
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