DIABETIC HYPERPYREXIA

Abstract

In 24 pancreatectomized dogs, withholding insulin produced polyuria, which, with deprivation of water, caused a syndrome closely resembling human diabetic hyperpyrexia. The inspissation of the blood prevents the complete loss of water from the capillaries and thus aids in the maintenance of blood volume and blood pressure, while the decreased volume is the direct cause of the syndrome. The lack of blood in the skin decreases heat-loss and causes fever, which can be reduced by the re-entrance of blood in the cutaneous vessels after administration of water. The accumulation of lactic acid in the blood and the resulting fall of pH and alkaline reserve as well as the increased urinary lactic acid are caused by an inadequate blood supply of the voluntary muscles. In the heart the same anoxemic condition develops as is evidenced by changes of the electrocardiogram.