ACTH-induced changes in purine and carbohydrate metabolism in Dalmatian and mongrel dogs.

Abstract

ADIABETOGENIC effect of ACTH in normal human subjects has beenreported (Conn, Louis and Johnston, 1949). An attempt to induce diabetes in mongrel dogs weighing 10–12 kg. was unsuccessful in this laboratory when a daily dose of 26 mg. of ACTH (Armour Standard) was used. Houssay and Anderson (1949) injected dogs, in which 83–87% of the pancreas had been removed, with 50 mg. of ACTH (96% Armour Standard) per kg. per day for four days. Hyperglycemia was observed in only one of the four treated, but glucose tolerance tests were not reported. Campbell et al. (1950) showed that ACTH (7.5 mg./kg./day) produced mild hyperglycemia and minimal glycosuria in dogs which were selected for their sensitivity to the diabetogenic activity of anterior pituitary extracts. Overbeek (1950) stated that carbohydrate metabolism was not affected in dogs treated with large doses of ACTH (Organon)