Reversal of progesterone-enhanced insulin production by human chorionic somatommammotropin.

Abstract

The interactions between human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) and progesterone in their effect on glucose and insulin metabolism were assessed in 10 female rhesus monkeys. Treatment with HCS alone (50 mg im twice daily for 7 days) produced decreased sensitivity to the hypoglycemic effect of exogenous insulin, but no significant change in glucose tolerance or the mean total serum insulin responses (ΣI40) to iv glucose (1 g⁄kg). By contrast, progesterone administration (5 mg daily in olive oil sc×3 weeks) led to significantly increased mean SI40 and mean initial rate of insulin release (Δl⁄ΔG10) in association with significantly slower mean glucose disappearance rate after iv glucose. Combined HCS-progesterone treatment blocked the augmented insulin responses (ΣI40 and Δl⁄ ΔG10) produced by progesterone alone, while glucose tolerance remained deteriorated. These results indicate that HCS affects carbohydrate metabolism through at least 2 mechanisms: a) by increasing peripheral resistance to insulin, and ...