The relationship of glucagon and EEG patterns in hypoglycemia

Abstract

Hypoglycemia was produced by the intravenous administration of insulin to 20 patients with anxiety neurosis. The EEG was monitored for development of bilateral synchronous slowing at which time blood specimens were taken for glucose, potassium and sodium determinations. One half of the patients were given intramuscular glucagon to raise the blood glucose level, and the others received intravenous 5 per cent glucose in water. A second determination was made on the blood glucose, potassium and sodium concentration when the EEG returned to normal. 1. 1.|There is no significant difference in the blood glucose levels, at the time the EEG reverts to normal, when glucagon or glucose is used to terminate hypoglycemia. This finding fails to support the hypothesis that glucagon has a direct effect on glucose transport in the brain. There is also no effect on glucose utilization under these experimental conditions. 2. 2.|A significant difference does occur in the potassium levels in the two groups. With glucagon the potassium level increases. It decreases when a solution of glucose is given to terminate hypoglycemia. This indicates that the changes in EEG patterns are not related to alterations of blood potassium levels. 3. 3.|There is no appreciable change in sodium levels during hypoglycemia or with the administration of glucagon in this investigation.