Lesions of the Pancreatic Islets Produced in Cats by Administration of Glucose

Abstract

Hydropic degeneration of the islands of Langerhans and permanent severe diabetes mellitus have followed the prolonged injection of intraperitoneal glucose-saline solution in normal as well as in partially depancreatized cats. Positive results were associated with prolonged hyperglycemia. These findings add further evidence in support of the hypothesis that a sustained elevation of blood glucose may, under certain conditions, lead to the production of damage to the islands of Langerhans in this species. Besides hyperglycemia, other disturbances which might be responsible wholly or in part for the island lesions are under study.