THE INSULIN AND THE ZINC CONTENT OF NORMAL AND DIABETIC PANCREAS

Abstract

A series of normal and of diabetic pancreases were obtained at autopsy and the insulin and Zn content of each pancreas detd. In the pancreas of the diabetics the total amt. of insulin present amts. to only 1/4 that found in the pancreas of normal individuals. Likewise the amt. of Zn contained in the pancreas of diabetics is only 1/2 that normally present. There is no marked difference in the Zn conc. in livers of diabetics and non-diabetics. The possibility of a part of the Zn in the pancreas being concerned with the storage of insulin is suggested.