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.
Basso
D
D
Istituto di Medicina di Laboratorio, Universita degli Studi di Padova Padua, Italy.
Plebani
M
M
Fogar
P
P
Del Favero
G
G
Briani
G
G
Meggiato
T
T
Panozzo
M P
MP
Ferrara
C
C
D'Angeli
F
F
Burlina
A
A
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