AbstractsBiology & Animal Science

[...] Prior to the present investigation, it was not recognized that the many responses of the body to thyroxine are greatly influenced by the presence and state of the liver and testis. Thus, by extirpating the liver or interfering with bile excretion, it was possible to intensify the effects of thyroxine; therefore, the liver influences the action of this hormone by reducing the amount available to the tissues. The role of the testis seems quite different, since testosterone influences only some of the responses to thyroxine, especially those of the submaxillary glands, skin and kidney. Thus, the liver has an overall effect, while the testis hormone has a more local one.