THE EFFECTS OF PROLONGED INFUSION OF THE DOG’S PANCREAS WITH GLUCOSE

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Abstract
5-17% glucose was continuously infused into the arterial circulation of part of the pancreas of normal dogs for as long as 18 days. Variations in blood flow were not controlled. The results of this infusion of glucose were (1). Peripheral venous hypoglycemia occurred for variable portions of the total infusion period. Peripheral hyperglycemia was not observed. Some of the expts. provided striking evidence of the power of glucose to stimulate the secretion of insulin as judged by the resulting hypoglycemia. Infusion of the portal vein with similar amts. of glucose did not alter the level of blood glucose. (2) Local hyperplasia of the islands of Langerhans was observed. In other areas degranulation and early glycogen infiltration (hydropic degeneration) were seen. Both types of local change developed when the blood insulin was elevated as indicated by the peripheral hypoglycemia. This differs from previous observations that insulin inhibits the growth of the islands and prevents or restores glycogen infiltration of the beta cells. Insulin, the level of blood sugar, and other factors influence the activity of the islands of Langerhans.