THE ANTIDIABETIC ACTION OF INSULIN ON NITROGEN METABOLISM1

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Abstract
Numerous reports have appeared concerning the effects produced on nitrogen metabolism by the administration of insulin to normal animals (Luck, et al, 1928; Milhorat and Chambers, 1928; Kerr and Krikorian, 1929; BischofT and Long, 1929; Daniels and Luck, 1931; Goldblatt and Ellis, 1931; Powers and Reis, 1933; Davis and Van Winkle, 1934; MacKay, et al, 1939). But this method of study does not necessarily reveal the action of endogenous insulin in the normal animal. Even though the blood sugar remains normal, extra insulin, when introduced into an animal already provided with an adequate supply, may not exert the same effect as when injected into an animal deprived of its endogenous supply of the hormone. Again, should the blood sugar fall after the injection of insulin, the reactions that follow may be secondary to the hypoglycemia (e.g., epinephrine secretion) and not the result of the insulin per se.