Plasma endothelin response to acute hypoglycaemia in adults with Type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether acute insulin-induced hypoglycaemia provokes a detectable alteration in peripheral plasma endothelin (ET) concentrations in humans with Type 1 diabetes.


METHODS
Serial plasma concentrations of ET were measured in 20 patients with Type 1 diabetes during controlled hypoglycaemia induced by intravenous infusion of soluble insulin.


RESULTS
A significant increase was observed in plasma ET concentrations, from 3.80 +/- 0.31 pg/ml at baseline to 6.72 +/- 1.47 pg/ml at 60 min after the onset of the hypoglycaemic reaction (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Acute insulin-induced hypoglycaemia induces a rise in plasma endothelin concentrations in people with Type 1 diabetes. This finding is consistent with a putative role for ET in the mediation of hypoglycaemia-induced vasoconstriction, and the possible precipitation of macrovascular or microvascular events.
Wright
R J
RJ
Department of Diabetes, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
Macleod
K M
KM
Perros
P
P
Johnston
N
N
Webb
D J
DJ
Frier
B M
BM
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism; D016232:Endothelins / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D016232:Endothelins; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin