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HYPOTHALAMIC LESION CAUSED BY BOECK'S SARCOID

Medical Department, the Blegdams Hospital Copenhagen, Denmark

NUMEROUS anatomic and physiologic studies during the last few years have shown the hypothalamus to be a center which co-ordinates the processes upon which the physiologic balance of the whole body depends, e.g., regulation of body temperature, the metabolism of water, and to some extent the metabolism of fat, protein, carbohydrate, and minerals. Further, the hypothalamus controls the autonomic nervous system—the sympathetic as well as the parasympathetic. It controls sleep, several endocrine functions, and the more basal emotional reactions.

The regulating influence of the hypothalamus depends on an interplay of a stimulating and an inhibitory activity, which may proceed from the anterior and the posterior nuclei respectively. These contrasting actions are usually so well balanced that no single action is definitely noticeable. The close correlation between the hypothalamus and various secretory organs is partly of a nervous and partly of a humoral nature. Possibly also hormone-producing cells may be found in the hypothalamus. On histologic examination, cell nests situated in the supraoptic nucleus and in the paraventricular nucleus show accumulation of colloid substance and vacuolation. They are very richly vascularized and present an intense phosphate exchange. However, we know nothing further as yet of the nature of these hormones, if present. Perhaps it is these cells which act as chemosensible end organs.

Received June 10, 1950.

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