A Hyperglycemic Factor Extracted from the pancreas*†

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Abstract
Clinical and exptl. evidence is reviewed suggesting the possibility that there is a pancreatic hormone, other than insulin produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. This substance was found as a contaminant in all American insulins tested. It has been designated the hyperglycemic-glycogenolytic factor or HGF. This elevates blood sugar by liberating glucose from hepatic glycogen. This, however, does not imply that its activities are opposite to those of insulin, except insofar as the blood sugar level is concerned. The HGF was found to be relatively inactive when admd. by subcut. injn. and most effective after intraperitoneal admn. Hence, its effects would be largely lost where insulin is given by its usual route. Evidence suggests that this factor may be active in the absence of the adrenal glands. Hypo- or hyper-activity of these cells may perhaps play a part in various disease states.