Bone mineral metabolism is normal in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Because of the previous controversial findings in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), we measured bone-mineral density (BMD) by two different methods, studied biochemical markers of bone remodeling and calciotropic hormones (parathyroid hormone and calcitonin) in women with NIDDM, and compared the results with age-matched controls. Forty-seven women with NIDDM and 252 healthy nondiabetic women as controls were recruited for this study. BMD was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Biochemical markers of bone remodeling included plasma alkaline phosphatase (AP), osteocalcin (BGP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), and 24-h urine calcium, hydroxyproline. Diabetic patients were more obese with a higher body-mass index (BMI) than controls. Bone mass was normal in NIDDM, both by DEXA and by QCT. Biochemical markers of bone remodeling, PTH and CT were also normal. There was no statistical correlation between bone mass and any of the other measurements studied. There is no evidence that NIDDM produces any change in bone metabolism or mass.

Anaphylaxis to subcutaneous neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin with simultaneous sensitization to protamine and insulin

We report an insulin-treated diabetic patient who suffered, in a 2-month period, three severe anaphylactic reactions immediately after self-administered subcutaneous injections of neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) human recombinant-DNA insulin. These reactions consisted of local and systemic symptoms, including dyspnea and hypotension. A simultaneous sensitization to human insulin and to protamine was demonstrated, both by skin tests and by the determination of serum specific IgE. Suspecting protamine allergy, we performed a test dose to human lente insulin with perfect tolerance. After a 1-year follow-up with lente-insulin treatment, no reactions have occurred, despite treatment interruptions. Therefore, protamine IgE-mediated allergy probably caused our patient's reactions. In conclusion, protamine sensitization should be ruled out in any patient with a history of reactions to subcutaneous protamine-containing insulins, even if insulin sensitization is present.

Dopaminergic modulation of aldosterone secretion in the normal menstrual cycle

A group of eight normotensive female volunteers with regular menstrual cycles were studied during two menstrual cycles: a control cycle and one in which they received lisuride, a D1-D2 dopamine agonist (0.025 mg/8 hr). The following tests were performed in both halves of both cycles: 1) the response of prolactin (PRL) to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration; 2) the response of plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (PA) to furosemide for 2 hours in the upright posture; and 3) the response of PRL, PRA, PA, plasma potassium (K), and cortisol (F) to metoclopramide administration. An increased response of PRL to TRH and PA to furosemide in the upright position and to metoclopramide were found in the luteal phase of the control study (p less than 0.05). After lisuride administration, in the interphase, differences in the responses of PRL to TRH and PA to furosemide in the upright position disappeared, whereas that of PA to metoclopramide increased further. We conclude that the increase of aldosterone normally observed during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle is at least partly conditioned by diminished dopaminergic tone and that the response of aldosterone secretion to furosemide-induced sodium depletion and its response to metoclopramide stimulation may be modulated by two different types of dopamine receptors.