THE ACTION OF INSULIN AS INDICATED BY DEPANCREATIZED HERBIVORA

Abstract

The study of diabetes in depancreatized herbivora, such as the rabbit and goat, affords an opportunity to clarify concepts of the action of the insulin. This type of prepn. can be maintained in a steady state without the admn. of insulin. For this reason, comparisons were made during periods with and without insulin in regard to maintenance of body wt. on a carbohydrate diet, the comparative action of plain and pro-tamine zinc insulin in maintaining wt., and the over-production of ketone bodies. During the periods of fasting, ketonuria, glycosuria, and urinary nitrogen were recorded. If insulin is withheld from the depancreatized herbivora, there is no lack of utilization of glucose for current metabolic needs, and during fasting there is no excessive breakdown of body protein or over-production of ketone bodies. It was concluded that in herbivora the only apparent action of insulin on carbohydrate is to bring about storage of this foodstuff.