Changes in Cerebral Potassium During Insulin Hypoglycemia.

Abstract

Insulin influences the intracellular K content of liver, muscle and erythrocytes. However, observations have not been made as to the effect of insulin on brain. Twenty-four adult male rats, 12 control and 12 experimental in varying stages of hypoglycemic coma, were decapitated and the brains analyzed for potassium. A significant increase was observed in dry brain potassium. No essential change was observed in wet brain K or the water content of the brain. It was concluded that insulin hypoglycemia is accompanied by an increase in cerebral potassium.