The action of glucosone on normal animals (mice) and its possible significance in metabolism

Abstract

Methods are outlined for production of glucosone in a purified form. This material produced, on subcutaneous injection into mice, a condition similar to that of a so-called insulin hypo-glycemia. The physiological activity is specific for glucosone, as no effect is manifested by either lactosone or maltosone. The striking resemblance of the symptoms produced by glucosone to those caused by insulin, coupled with the fact that their development is modified or inhibited by either adrenaline or pituitrin, indicates a close connection between glucosone and insulin. The "glucosone effect" is not, however, remedied by administration of glucose. The reasons for this are discussed. The possible significance of glucosone in fat metabolism is indicated by the observation that an injection of acetoacetic acid antagonizes the effect of a glucosone injection. It is suggested that glucosone is an important intermediate in carbohydrate metabolism, and that its formation results from action of insulin on blood sugar.