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Pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell function in pheochromocytoma.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|September 1, 1979
Summary
Pheochromocytoma suppresses pancreatic alpha-cell glucagon response and potentially beta-cell insulin response. Tumor removal normalized these pancreatic islet functions, indicating catecholamine excess impacts glucose regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Pheochromocytoma is a tumor causing excess catecholamines.
- Catecholamine excess is known to affect glucose metabolism.
- Pancreatic islet cell function in pheochromocytoma is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell function in patients with pheochromocytoma.
- To assess the impact of endogenous catecholamine excess on insulin and glucagon secretion.
- To determine the effects of tumor extirpation on pancreatic islet cell function.
Main Methods:
- Arginine infusion tests were performed on seven pheochromocytoma patients.
- Tests were conducted before and after surgical tumor removal.
- Plasma glucose, insulin, and glucagon levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Preoperatively, pancreatic glucagon response was suppressed; insulin response was comparable to controls.
- Plasma glucose decreased rapidly post-arginine infusion, even in a non-diabetic patient.
- Postoperatively, glucagon response and glucose changes normalized.
Conclusions:
- Pheochromocytoma significantly suppresses pancreatic alpha-cell function.
- Beta-cell function may also be suppressed, as evidenced by a lack of enhanced insulin response during hyperglycemia.
- Surgical removal of pheochromocytoma tumors restores normal pancreatic islet cell function.