Hyperinsulinemia with Diabetes Induced by Cortisone, and the Influence of Growth Hormone in the Chinese Hamster

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus), serum insulin (immunoassay) and glucose levels were comparable to those in other animals, but NEFA [non-esterified fatty acids] concentrations were extraordinarily high. The animals were given cortisone, or ovine GH, or both, sc for 10-14 days. Cortisone (1, 3 and 12 mg/day) increased serum insulin levels up to 40-fold the control value, decreased the amount of insulin extractable from the pancreas, increased serum glucose, produced glycosuria in about 1/3 of the animals, and increased serum NEFA, liver weight and liver total lipid. The rise in serum insulin was definite after 3 days. GH (ovine, NIH), 0.4, 1 and 4 mg/day, did not produce appreciable alterations in these variables, nor alter body weight. On combined administration of these hormones, the highest levels of NEFA and liver lipid were found, but the rises in serum insulin and glucose were less than with cortisone alone.