Are the Parathyroid Glands Necessary to the Life of the Newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster?

Abstract

The newts, Cynops pyrrhogaster, that had been parathyroidectomized lived until they were sacrificed 989-1, 003 days after operation. The serum calcium was 7.8mg/100ml on an average of 4 animals observed, being significantly higher than the lowest level found 4-180 days after parathyroidectomy. As parathyroid glands are not regenerated, it may be concluded that they are not indispensable for the maintenance of the life of the newt.