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Effect of insulin hypoglycemia on the human sigmoid colon

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Summary

1. The effect of insulin hypoglycemia on sigmoid activity was studied in 8 normal subjects by the use of small balloons and open-ended catheters. On separate occasions, colonic activity was studied in 4 of these subjects following intravenous glucagon.

2. When compared to the preinsulin level of activity, the response to insulin was biphasic, consisting of a depression phase during the 30- to 60-min. period and an excitatory phase during the 150- to 180-min. period. When compared to control (no injection) and placebo (saline) experiments, only the depression phase was significant.

3. No difference was observed in the effect of glucagon-free insulin and commercial insulin on colonic activity.

4. A positive correlation was observed between blood sugar levels and colonic activity following intravenous insulin.

5. Following intravenous glucagon, the number of waves was increased during the 0- to 30-min. period when comparison was made to the pre-glucagon level and to the same time interval in the placebo and insulin studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Gastro-intestinal Section (Kinsey-Thomas Foundation) of the Medical Clinic of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa.

    Paul G. Killenberg M.D. & Gibbons G. Cornwell III M.D.

Authors
  1. Paul G. Killenberg M.D.
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  2. Gibbons G. Cornwell III M.D.
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Additional information

The authors wish to acknowledge the invaluable assistance of Drs. Thomas E. Machella and Frank P. Brooks in carrying out this investigation.

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Killenberg, P.G., Cornwell, G.G. Effect of insulin hypoglycemia on the human sigmoid colon. Digest Dis Sci 9, 221–228 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232586

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02232586

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