THE MECHANISM OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ADRENALINE UPON THE DIABETOGENIC ACTION OF ALLOXAN IN THE DOG

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: The i.v. injection of 50 μg/kg body weight of adrenaline hydrochloride prior to the injection of diabetogenic doses of alloxan has a protective effect in the dog. This protection has a duration exceeding that of the vasoconstrictor action of adrenaline. It is concluded that the protective effect may depend initially on alterations in the circulation of the pancreas brought about by adrenaline and may afterwards be maintained by the postadrenaline hyperglycaemia. The administration of 2 i.u./kg body weight of insulin by i.m. injection 2 hr before the injection of adrenaline diminishes or abolishes the protection phenomenon. This interference of insulin with the protective effect of adrenaline depends upon the hypoglycaemia which sensitizes the β-cells of the pancreas to alloxan. The i.v. injection of 2 i.u./kg body weight of insulin 5 min before the injection of adrenaline does not prevent its protective effect.