Action of serotonin on the blood sugar level and insulin effect

Summary

In experiments on rabbits and dogs a study was made of the effect produced by various doses of serotonin on the blood sugar level and the insulin action. The first series of experiments dealt with determination of the blood glucose level prior to and at various intervals after serotonin administration In the second experimental series a study was made of serotonin effect on glycemic shifts against the background of preliminary animal insulinization. In the third experimental series insulin was administered after preliminary injection of serotonin.

The data obtained permit to draw the following conclusions:

• 1. Given both subcutaneously and intravenously in a dose of 2 mg/kg serotonin produced no effect on the blood glucose level. A rise of the blood sugar level followed the administration of 5mg/kg in 60 min (the results are statistically authentic, p<0.01); the sugar level becoming normal 120 min after serotonin injection.

• 2. Administration of serotonin in various doses against the background of developing insulin hypoglycemia failed to influence further manifestations of the insulin effect.

• 3. Serotonin produced no effect on the development of the nervous syndrome in hyperinsulinism.