THE ADRENALS AND EXPERIMENTAL PANCREATIC DIABETES

Abstract

The etiology and course of diabetes mellitus have been associated with adrenal function by various authors since Zuelzer 1 proposed the view that a mutual antagonism exists between the adrenals and the pancreas. He said he believed that the glycosuria which follows pancreatectomy is due to the unchecked diabetogenic action of epinephrine secreted from the adrenals in the absence of the antagonistic action of internal secretion of the pancreas. More recently the supposed relationship of the adrenals to diabetes and to other diseases has become the basis for surgical intervention or roentgen irradiation of the adrenals in clinical practice. In view of the fact that these procedures involve possible irreparable damage to the indispensable adrenal cortex as well as to the less essential medulla, they should be based on physiologic premises that have indisputable experimental support, or else they should be condemned as too dangerous for life and health to