HISTAMINE CONTENT OF THE BLOOD DURING INSULIN SHOCK THERAPY

Abstract

Although insulin therapy has been widely accepted as an instrument in neuropsychiatric practice, knowledge is incomplete with regard to the physiology of the shock reaction. Beiglbock and Dussik, 1 Gellhorn, 2 Georgi 3 and others have discussed many of the more pertinent aspects of the subject, which is too extensive to be reviewed here. Consideration of certain features of insulin shock, together with what is known of the effect, suggested an investigation of the histamine content of the blood in patients receiving insulin therapy. STUDIES OF HISTAMINE4 The blood of 6 psychotic patients well advanced under insulin therapy was tested for histamine at appropriate intervals during various clinically recognizable phases 5 of the hypoglycemic reaction. Venepunctures were done with reasonable care to avoid undue tissue injury. The tourniquet was always released before blood was withdrawn. Specimens were oxalated and refrigerated until extracted and assayed. Altogether,