![]() ![]() Prior to this discovery, diabetes mellitus sufferers never survived past their teens. In 1921, Frederick Banting discovered insulin, the hormone controlling sugar levels, and was awarded the first Nobel prize in endocrinology. Its removal from dogs resulted in a decrease in the production of digestive juices and insulin, showing that it is essential in hormone regulation. Likewise, the pancreas is incredibly important in hormone regulation. However, as a consequence of Mr Byrne’s tumour, extremely high levels of growth hormone were released. In healthy individuals, the pituitary gland responds to hypothalamic regulation, which ensures that growth hormone levels remain at physiologically desirable levels. From his skeleton, it was discovered that he had a larger pituitary fossa, which revealed a tumour on his pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is key in this, as was shown by the extreme height of Charles Byrne, a man who lived in the 1780s. ![]() The hour-long documentary also discussed the importance of appropriate regulation of hormone levels. It was surprising to discover that in the past, ovaries were thought to be the source of mental and physical disabilities, hence their removal was thought to cure hysteria, anorexia, anxiety and nymphomania. ![]() Unfortunately, while the testes and testosterone were celebrated, ovaries were not. Indeed, Charles Edward Brown, a physiologist, claimed to have more strength, stamina and concentration following a blood and semen injection, although this is likely to have been a placebo effect. From these discoveries, it was theorised that the testes were the source of eternal youth. Furthermore, the testes redeveloped their blood supply. Upon the transplantation of testes into the abdomens of the capons, Berthold found that sexual behaviour and pre-castration characteristics returned. Capons are birds who have been castrated to render their meat more tender and cause the animal to become more docile. Moreover, in the 19th Century, Arnold Berthold experimented on capons. This showed that removing the testicles, where testosterone is produced in males, can have significant consequences on different parts of the body due to the lack of the aforementioned hormone. Moreover, he had no Adam’s apple and long limbs. For example, Farinelli had a straight hairline, rather than a V-shaped one which is more common in adult males. Castration, the removal of testicles, continued until the 20th century and affected multiple secondary sexual characteristics in addition to vocal pitch. This was possible as Farinelli had been castrated. The greatly accomplished Professor Wass is a fantastic orator and has delivered a memorable and educational documentary.Ī noteworthy story outlined within the documentary is that of Farinelli, a celebrated male soprano singer of the 18th century, who maintained his pre-pubescent voice and hence could sing notes in the tenor and soprano ranges even as an adult. Moreover, the role of the pituitary gland, pancreas and fat cells in maintaining hormone levels is revealed. Professor Wass places prominence on testosterone, thyroid hormones, adrenalin and oestrogen. To date, more than 80 hormones of varying types, such as amines, peptides and steroids, have been discovered in humans. Hormones, a term coined by Ernest Starling from the Greek “haumea”, meaning “to excite”, is a fitting name for molecules which act on target cells resulting in a specific function. In this documentary, Professor John Wass, Professor of Endocrinology at Oxford University, highlights the importance of key hormones and the stories behind their discoveries. ![]()
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