[Serum levels and urinary excretion of zinc in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes]. / Sérové hladiny a mocové vylucování zinku u nemocných s inzulín dependentním diabetem.

The objective of the work was to evaluate the basic parameters of zinc metabolism, i.e. serum levels and urinary excretion of zinc (Zn) in insulin dependent diabetes. The authors investigated a group of diabetics with normal renal function (DM) and with chronic renal insufficiency as a result of diabetic nephropathy (RIDM). Two control groups were formed by healthy volunteers (C) and non-diabetic subjects with chronic renal insufficiency (RI). In diabetics without impaired renal functions (DM) the Zn serum levels did not differ significantly from controls, urinary excretion was significantly raised. The authors did not reveal a correlation of serum Zn levels with parameters of compensation of diabetes nor with the insulin dose. Urinary Zn output correlated positively with proteinuria and the average blood sugar level during the collection of urine. The authors did not find a correlation with diuresis, fractional water excretion, glycosuria or urea excretion. The fractional Zn clearance in diabetic subjects was significantly raised and correlated with the mean blood sugar level. This finding suggests a decline of the tubular Zn absorption in hyperglycaemia. In diabetics with renal failure (RIDM) the results did not differ from non-diabetics with the same degree of renal insufficiency: serum Zn levels were, as compared with healthy controls, in both groups significantly reduced, the urinary excretion being normal. Thus insulin dependent diabetes nor its metabolic compensation do not influence in a marked way serum Zn levels but lead to higher urinary Zn losses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interaction of tolbutamide and chloramphenicol in diabetic patients.

In study 1 we investigated 8 diabetic female patients treated with tolbutamide who received chloramphenicol to combat urinary tract infections. In 5 patients, chloramphenicol was found to produce a distinct decrease of glycemia. Evaluation of the whole series revealed that the latter averaged 31.5%. No patient developed a marked hypoglycemia. With one exception, the values of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in serum were within normal. In study 2 we investigated another series of 8 diabetic patients. Given chloramphenicol, 7 patients registered an almost twofold increase in the mean morning tolbutamide level in serum and glycemia decreased by one fourth. No patient developed severe hypoglycemia. Tolbutamide increase in serum was not associated with a rise of IRI level in serum. All patients displayed steady chloramphenicol level in serum. Potential reasons for the development of hypoglycemia during the treatment with sulphonylurea antidiabetics are discussed.

[Depoteffect of benzathine-penicillin (author's transl)]. / Untersuchungen über die Depotwirkung von Benzathin-Penicillin

15 test persons received an injection of 2,400,000 units of benzathine penicillin. Serum levels were subsequently assayed, as well as the excretion of the antibiotic in the urine. The samples were stored in liquid-nitrogen between collection and examination. Each of the speciemens was tested 5 to 10 times and the results were ascertained by empirical evaluation of every single analysis. This assay showed the existence of mean levels above 0.036 I.U./ml in the serum and above 19.75 I.U./ml in the urine for the duration of 26 days. The evaluation of serum levels after the administration of antibiotics is difficult due to several sources of error. Reliable results can, therefore, be obtained only by examination at special institutes which possess experienced technical personnel. The establishment of reference laboratories for this purpose is suggested. The results of the study confirm the efficacy of one-shot treatment of the syphilis by administration of 2,400,000 to units of benzathine penicillin.

[Changes in thoracic duct lymph in allotransplantation of the liver in dogs]. / Veränderungen der Lymphe des Ductus thoracicus bei Allotransplantation der Leber von Hunden.

In 8 dogs simultaneous orthotopic liver allotransplantation and external drainage were performed. During and after surgery lymph and blood plasma were examined. The lymph flow increased considerably, due to blood stasis in the gut. Concentrations of total protein and potassium decreased in blood and in lymph. Levels of glucose and lactate in lymph were significantly elevated, compared with plasma levels. Examination of thoracic duct lymph improves the possibilities to assess the blood stasis in the splanchnic system and the corresponding metabolic cell alterations. It is presumed that external drainage of thoracic duct might improve the course immediately after liver transplantation.