Porcine and human insulin (Novo): a comparison of their metabolism and hypoglycemic activity in normal man

The total body metabolic clearance rates (MCR), plasma half disappearance times (T 1/2), apparent distribution volumes (DS), and effect on plasma glucose concentration of porcine and human insulin (Novo) were compared in six normal subjects. A priming-dose continuous infusion protocol was used. Blood glucose concentration was allowed to fall unchecked. Metabolic clearance rates were studied at four different serum insulin concentrations spanning the physiologic range. In none of the variables studied were we able to demonstrate a significant difference between porcine and human insulin.