SEVERE KETOACIDOSIS IN THE ALLOXAN DIABETIC RAT1

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Abstract
Treatment of non-ketotic alloxan diabetic rats for several weeks with daily injections of 4 to 6 units of protamine-zinc insulin resulted in marked weight gain, decreased glucosuria, and apparent restoration of normal health. When insulin was withdrawn, the animals developed abrupt weight loss, marked ketonemia, ketonuria, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, acidosis, Kussmaul respiration, coma, hypothermia, and death within 60–96 hours. Postmortem examination revealed severe fatty infiltration in the livers and kidneys. Gradual insulin withdrawal resulted in weight loss, transient ketonuria, and the slow return of the characteristic picture of severe non-ketotic alloxan diabetes. The severity of ketonemia was proportional to insulin dosage and to gain in body weight during therapy for 40 days with a range of doses from 0.5 to 4.0 units Protamine-zinc insulin daily.