Estimation of Adrenomedullary Reserve by Infusion of 2-Deoxy-d-glucose

Abstract

Infusions of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), in concentrations of 50 mg/kg body wt, produced a consistent and pronounced increase in urinary epinephrine output in subjects with intact adrenal glands. They also produced a significant rise in urinary epinephrine in patients with Addison''s disease classified as idiopathic by clinical criteria, but not in those whose disease was considered tuberculous in origin, or in subjects with adrenalectomy or thoracolumbar sympathectomy. A rise in blood glucose has been demonstrated to correlate well with the increase in urinary epinephrine that follows 2-DG administration. Measurement of these substances affords a clinically useful means for evaluating the functional capacity of the adrenal medulla.