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Effect of insulin administration on water drinking in children
M Vijande1, P López-Sela, J I Brime
1Departamento de Biología Funcional, Facultad de Medicina, Oviedo, Spain.
Insights
Insulin administration significantly increases water intake in children. This effect correlates with blood sugar levels and increased plasma renin activity, suggesting a link between insulin, hydration, and hormonal responses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Hormonal Regulation
Background:
- Insulin's role in fluid balance is not fully understood, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Investigating hormonal responses to drug stimulation protocols provides insights into physiological regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of insulin administration on water intake in children.
- To explore the relationship between insulin, glycaemia, hypophyseal hormones, and plasma renin activity.
Main Methods:
- Children underwent standard protocols for hypophyseal hormone stimulation via intravenous drug administration.
- Water intake was measured post-administration; blood samples analyzed for hormones, microhaematocrit, plasma renin activity (PRA), and glycaemia.
Main Results:
- Insulin administration led to significantly higher water intake compared to controls.
- A significant correlation was observed between glycaemia and water intake at 60 minutes.
- Plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly elevated in insulin-treated individuals; haematocrit remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Insulin administration stimulates water intake in children, independent of direct hypophyseal hormone stimulation.
- The observed correlation between glycaemia and water intake highlights metabolic influences on hydration.
- Elevated PRA suggests insulin may influence the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, impacting fluid balance.
Abstract:
The effect of insulin administration on water intake, was studied in children submitted to standard protocols for stimulation of secretion of hypophyseal hormones by i.v. treatment with several different drugs: insulin, insulin plus TRH and LH-RH; and propranolol, clonidine or LH-RH. Drinking was measured from 0 to 90 min after drug administration; from blood samples taken at 60 min for hypophyseal hormones analysis, microhaematocrit values were measured, as well as plasma renin activity (PRA) and glycaemia. Water intake was significantly higher in both groups of patients receiving insulin than in the control group (no insulin). Haematocrit values did not change after 60 min. There was a significant correlation of glycaemia of individuals from all three groups and water intake at 60 min. PRA was significantly higher in insulin treated individuals.