The Effect of Insulin on Blood Levels of Infused Pentoses in Man

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Abstract
Ten to 20 g quantities of D-xylose, D-arabinose, L-arabinose and D-lyxose were infused into normal man. After the disappearance curve of the sugar from blood was established, crystalline insulin (0.1 U/kg) was given intravenously. Insulin caused an abrupt lowering of blood levels of D-xylose, L-arabinose and D-lyxose, an effect which appeared to be complete after 30 minutes. During this interval the disappearance of the pentose was enhanced about three times. Insulin did not affect blood levels of D-arabinose. The response cannot be attributed to increased renal excretion and suggests that insulin affects the volumes of distribution of D-xylose, L-arabinose and D-lyxose in the body fluids of man.