Variation induced by a three-days application of the artificial beta-cell on glucagon, growth hormone and catecholamine secretion, glycosylated hemoglobin, and erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration.

Five insulin-dependent diabetics with poor metabolic control were examined at the beginning and after a three-day application of artificial endocrine pancreas (AEP). Pancreatic alpha cell function evaluated by arginine infusion (0.5 g/Kg b.w. over 30 minutes) showed no significant differences between the beginning and during artificial beta cell aplication, but the increment in plasma glucagon level over basal values observed in both tests appeared significantly higher at 30 and 60 min in comparison with a control group. Growth hormone response to arginine infusion was clearly reduced in the second test. C-peptide concentration appeared very low in basal conditions and during arginine infusion; no improvement was observed after three days of AEP application. Urinary excretion of norepinephrine markedly increased at the beginning of the study, reversed almost to normal during AEP treatment, while minor changes were observed in urinary excretion of epinephrine. The Concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin, markedly higher than normally before the connection with AEP, showed a slight but significant decrease during glucose-controlled insulin infusion. Finally, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate was normal and no modifications were observed in the course of the study.