DIABETOGENIC EFFECT OF PURIFIED GROWTH HORMONE¹,²

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine which components of the anterior pituitary gland possess diabetogenic activity. The production of diabetes in intact dogs by the administration of the extracts was taken as the index of this activity. The growth-promoting and adrenocorticotrophic activities of the various fractions were also determined. This study was aided greatly by the application of the methods of Wilhelmi, Fishman and Russell (1948) which made possible the preparation of a sufficient quantity of purified growth hormone. Purified adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) was prepared, and also three fractions, namely, APE and SC (which are diabetogenic) and APP (which produces fat mobilization). The production of definite hyperglycaemia, glycosuria and polyuria in intact dogs in 2 to 4 days following the first injection of the extract was the criterion of diabetogenic activity. In our experience, about 60 per cent of normal dogs are sensitive to the diabetogenic factors of the anterior pituitary.