What did they transplant into the dog in the book Heart of a Dog? - briefly
In Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "Heart of a Dog," scientists transplanted human testicles into a stray dog named Sharik. This experiment was part of their attempt to transform the dog into a human being.
What did they transplant into the dog in the book Heart of a Dog? - in detail
In Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "Heart of a Dog," the protagonist, Professor Preobrazhensky, performs an experimental surgery on a stray dog named Sharik. The professor transplants pituitary glands from a recently deceased criminal into the dog. This unconventional experiment aims to explore the potential for altering the behavior and characteristics of an animal through organ transplantation. The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small endocrine gland that produces several important hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin, and vasopressin. By transplanting human pituitary glands into Sharik, Professor Preobrazhensky seeks to induce human-like qualities in the dog, a procedure that has profound implications for both science and ethics. The novel explores the consequences of this experiment, delving into themes of identity, morality, and the limits of scientific intervention.