THE THYROID GLAND AND THE SENSITIVITY OF ANIMALS TO INSULIN

Abstract

An increase in sensitivity to insulin is observed for 10-20 days after complete thyroidectomy (with preservation of parathyroids); approximately of the pre-operative reactive dose is sufficient to produce hypoglycemic symptoms during this period. Complete recovery of the normal resistance to insulin occurs in 20-30 days, and 35-40 days after thyroid removal a heightened tolerance is observed. Ablation of the adrenal medulla now produced an extreme and permanent hypersensitivity to minute doses of insulin. Typical adrenalin hyperglycemia could be induced, and adrenalin or pituitrin abolished convulsions, in thyroidectomized cats. The liver and muscle contained normal amounts of glycogen.