HYPOGLYCÆMIA IN RATS AS A RESULT OF SPINAL CORD LESIONS

In pithed rats hypoglycaemia develops in a few hours. There exists considerable variation in time and intensity in which the hypoglycaemia appears. Destruction of the cerebrum does not cause the phenomenon; the destruction of the spinal cord, especially between T1O and L3 is the most important factor. The mechanism of the hypoglycaemia was studied. Hyperinsulinism, depletion of glucagon, depletion of corticoids or hypofunction of the adrenal medulla do not appear to be the cause. Glycogen depletion in the liver was constantly found. Probably the hypoglycaemia depends on a defect in gluconeogenesis, which is influenced by the abdominal sympathetic system.