Suppressive Action of Epinephrine on the Diabetogenic Effect of Alloxan

The mechanism by which a previous injection of epinephrine blocks the diabetogenic action of alloxan is unknown. The experiments carried out in this study indicate that (a) dihydroergotamine blocks the suppressive action of epinephrine on the diabetogenic effect of alloxan, and (b) in comparable doses, norepinephrine does not exhibit the same effect as epinephrine. The findings are discussed in terms of two alternate mechanisms:(1) Vasoconstrictive effects decreasing the quantity of alloxan reaching the islet; and (2) direct effects of epinephrine on beta cell function.