An Hyperglycemic-Glycogenolytic Response to Pituitary Growth Hormone in Man. ∗ †

Abstract

Summary

1. A rapid 30 minute intravenous infusion of 100 mg of a sample of growth hormone derived from pork pituitary glands by the technic of Raben and Wester-meyer resulted in a prompt hyperglycemia in man, which lasted during the infusion and rapidly subsided thereafter. 2. The hyperglycemia was due to an augmented output of glucose by the liver and was not associated with any change in splanchnic blood flow, oxygen consumption, or amino and urea nitrogen or ketone balances. 3. The hyperglycemic response to the extract was not modified by boiling at pH 3.5, was decreased by boiling in 0.2 N HCl or when the hormone was made up at pH 9.5, and was destroyed by standing in 0.1 N NaOH for 18 hours. Growth and diabetogenic activities in the rat were likewise destroyed by alkali treatment and unmodified by boiling at pH 3.5. Ketogenic and adipo-kinetic activities were destroyed by acid boiling and unaffected by alkali treatment. 4. The significance of these findings is discussed in light of the evidence that growth hormone stimulates pancreatic glucagon secretion.