Summary

Abstract

The introductory paper on the physiology of appetite regulation and the mechanism of thirst was given by D. P. Mertz. It was stressed, that the balance of energy depends on the variable food-intake, stored energy, exercise and thermal formation which are controlled by central nervous mechanisms. The adjustment of food-intake to energy requirement is probably a hypothalamic function with interaction of ventromedial satiety and lateral feeding centers. Two biometric factors: a short-time and a longtime regulation seem to influence the hypothalamic control center. The short-time control appears to be mostly of glucostatic nature, whereas the long-time regulation is based on lipostatic mechanisms. The regulation of thirst seems to be regulated by osmoreceptors and volume regulatory controls. In addition mechanisms controlling sodium intake and output are involved. The renin-angiotensin-system is said to play a role.