Beta-cell function in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
To evaluate beta-cell function in patients with pancreatic cancer, the glucagon stimulation test was performed in seven patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, seven patients with type I diabetes mellitus, seven patients with type II diabetes mellitus, and in seven healthy controls. C-peptide serum levels were determined before and after a 1-mg i.v. glucagon injection. Basal C-peptide values were normal or slightly increased in pancreatic cancer and type II diabetic patients and low in type I diabetic patients. Following glucagon stimulation, no significant increase was observed in C-peptide values of type I diabetics and pancreatic cancer patients, whereas significant increases occurred in controls and type II diabetics. It is concluded that the altered beta-cell function found in pancreatic cancer patients may lead to hyperglycemia, which is frequently associated with this tumor type.
Istituto di Medicina di Laboratorio, Universita degli Studi di Padova Padua, Italy.
D
D
Basso
M
M
Plebani
P
P
Fogar
G
G
Del Favero
G
G
Briani
T
T
Meggiato
M P
MP
Panozzo
C
C
Ferrara
F
F
D'Angeli
A
A
Burlina
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000328:Adult; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005934:Glucagon / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*
D002096:C-Peptide; D005934:Glucagon