HAEMODYNAMIC CHANGES AND ADRENAL FUNCTION IN MAN DURING INDUCED HYPOGLYCAEMIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT Observations were made on healthy volunteers during insulin induced hypoglycaemia (10 cases) and infusion of adrenaline (3 cases) or cortisol (1 case). In all cases a rise in the cardiac output was registered during insulin hypoglycaemia. The mean arterial blood pressure was relatively unchanged and the calculated peripheral vascular resistance decreased in all cases. A temporary rise in plasma corticosteroids was observed. After infusion of adrenaline similar circulatory changes were observed but no rise in plasma corticosteroids was found. Infusion of cortisol caused an increased plasma corticosteroid level but no circulatory changes. It is concluded that liberation of catechol amines and increased adrenocortical activity following hypoglycaemia are not necessarily interdependent.