IDENTIFICATION OF A HYPERGLYCEMIC FACTOR IN URINE

The precipitate obtained by the addition of two volumes of ethanol to acidified human urine (APU) has been previously found to be hypotensive and hyperglycemic when injected into rabbits. The experiments reported show that the hypotensive action of APU is not inhibited by atropine or antihistamine compounds. Following preincubation for one minute, a mixture of blood serum and APU contracts the guinea pig ileum. This action is not inhibited by atropine, antihistamine compounds, or soybean trypsin inhibitor. APU, per se, is not a smooth-muscle stimulant. Following prolonged incubation with serum, APU loses its hypotensive and hyperglycemic properties. Padutin, a commercial preparation of the hypotensive agent kallikrein, has been shown to be hyperglycemic in the rabbit and this action can be prevented by ergotamine. The experiments reported indicate that the hypotensive agent present in APU is probably kallikrein and that it is indirectly responsible for the hyperglycemic response elicited by the extract. From the chemical properties of kallikrein it appears likely that it is responsible for the reported hyperglycemic action of urinary extracts prepared by a variety of procedures.