[Role of prostaglandins in islet cell dysfunction in generalized infections]

Effect of prostaglandins of the E and F2 alpha groups/PGE and PGF2 alpha/on formation and secretion of insulin was studied in rats inoculated with staphylococcus. Hyperglycemia developed in the animals while the content of insulin in their blood remained normal; the rate of insulin biosynthesis was increased. Content of PGE and PGF2 alpha was distinctly increased in the infected animals as compared with controls. Administration of indometacin into the animals 1 hr before the infection and then twice a day during 3 days /1.5 mg per kg of body weight/ led to a pronounced decrease of the PGE and PGF2 alpha content in blood and to normalization of glucose concentration. Hyperproduction of the prostaglandins under conditions of the infection appears to inhibit the insulin secretion since the elevated rate of the hormone biosynthesis was accompanied by hyperglycemia in the infected animals; at the same time, normal concentration of insulin in blood was not sufficient for normalization of the sugar content. Under conditions of the infection resistance to endogenous insulin apparently developed also.