THE ACUTE PANCREATIC EFFECT OF ALLOXAN IN THE RABBIT

Abstract

SUMMARY: The origin of the pronounced hypoglycaemic phase during the onset of alloxan diabetes in the rabbit has been investigated. Blood sugar and serum insulin levels were recorded 6, 12 and 24 hr. after alloxan administration and were related to changes in the insulin content of the pancreas and to the rate of insulin release from pancreas slices in vitro at similar time intervals. During the phase of hypoglycaemia, serum insulin levels were elevated, and insulin release from the pancreas slices was markedly increased, but a decrease in the quantity of insulin extractable from the pancreas occurred during the same 6 hr. period. These results indicate that the hypoglycaemia may result from an unregulated release of preformed insulin from the β cells, during their destruction after the administration of alloxan.