Biological and chemical properties of two glucagon preparations with prolonged action

Abstract The effects of zinc glucagon suspension (ZG), zinc protamine glucagon suspension (ZPG) and glucagon in solution have been investigated after subcutaneous injection to normal dogs. It was shown that the effect of ZPG on the concentration of glucose, FFA and insulin in plasma was more prolonged than that of ZG or glucagon in solution. ZG has a more prolonged action than glucagon. Chemical investigations of the composition of the glucagon crystals in ZG and ZPG did not disclose any dis-similarity that could explain the differences in duration of the effects. A ratio of 1 mole of Zn ++ to 2 moles of glucagon was found in the crystals. No protamine could be detected in the crystals from ZPG. Differences in the duration of biological effects of ZG and ZPG are ascribed to differences in composition of suspension media. Glucagon Zinc glucagon Prolongation of glucagon effect Zinc protamine glucagon Effect in dogs of glucagon preparations Chemical properties of glucagon preparations