Measurement of Insulin Action.

Abstract

The insulin required to maintain a normal blood sugar level in depancreatized dogs has been studied by Holm1 and in the laboratories of Houssay2 and Soskin.3, 4 Holm and Houssay found that 0.01 unit insulin per kilogram of body weight per hour was necessary. Soskin found values as low as 1-175th unit insulin per kg. per hour in dogs under pento-barbital sodium (Abbott).We have determined the insulin requirement in dogs of different sizes which have completely recovered from the pancreatectomy. These dogs were maintained at a constant weight on a measured balanced diet and sufficient insulin to keep the urine nearly sugar-free. They received no food or insulin for 24 hours prior to a determination. No anesthetic was used. The initial high blood sugar was lowered to about 100 mg.% by an intravenous injection of 2-6 units of insulin, depending upon the size of the animal. A continuous or hourly intravenous injection of a weak solution of insulin in physiological saline was started about 4-6 hours following t...