THE EFFECT OF A LONG-ACTING GLUCAGON PREPARATION ON ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESPONSES IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

. In acute myocardial infarction (AMI) the availability and the insulin-dependent transportation of glucose can possibly influence the extent of myocardial damage and the incidence of arrhythmias. Glucose metabolism is affected by several endocrine changes in connection with an AMI. Some of these changes have been studied in 43 patients with an uncomplicated AMI. A slight hyperglycemia was seen, with an increased catecholamine excretion and growth hormone secretion but with no reduction in the basal insulin secretion. The treatment of 27 of the patients with a zinc-protamineglucagon (ZPG) suspension, s.c. 8 mg t.i.d., changed the natural response to an AMI only through a slight increase in the plasma growth hormone and insulin levels. The clinical course was not affected by ZPG, which was tolerated without side-effects. It is concluded that treatment with ZPG is not indicated in uncomplicated cases of AMI.