Action of Insulin on Volume of Distribution of Galactose in the Body

Abstract

The effect of insulin on the volume of distr. and oxidation of D-galactose-l-Cl4 has been studied in the extrahepatic tissues of the rabbit. The radioactive galactose was injd. intraven. and the radioactivity of the plasma was detd. for 2-3 hrs. thereafter. In addition, the effect of adding a large amt. of carrier galactose on these values was examined. The competitive effect of a high plasma glucose concn. on the distr. of galactose in the body was also detd. The following conclusions were made: (a) there is a small but definite oxidation of galactose by the extraheptic tissues; (b) insulin accelerates the rate of entry of galactose into the cells of the extrahepatic tissues; (c) the transfer of galactose into the cell cannot be the result of a physical process like diffusion, but must be brought about by some specific reaction like a chemical process; (d) glucose and galactose compete in entering into the reaction controlled by insulin.