H. Smith
Apr 1, 1968
Citations
0
Influential Citations
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Citations
Journal
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Abstract
The Conference on which this monograph is based focused on a single pharmacologic action of diazoxide the production of hyperglycemia and explored the mechanism of its action. For completeness, the direct relaxing action of diazoxide on arterial smooth muscle and its use in the treatment of hypertension were also discussed. The clinical indications. use and hazards of diazoxide in hypoglycemic disease states have been analyzed. Of equal significance is diazoxide's use as an experimental tool to study glucose metabolism and insulin release; at this conference, it has been established that diazoxide inhibits insulin release from the pancreas and phosphodiesterases. The effect of diazoxide on catecholamine release and the relationship of these amines to liver giycogenolysis, fat mobilization and insulin release have been explored. Thus, the conference has served both as a platform and as a springboard: The known facts those gathered clinically and experimentally in the laboratory have been set forth; in areas of disagreement, deliberately fostered discussion has served to define the problems. In this way, the conference has provided stimulus for further work. It has also marked the end of the pioneer phase of diazoxide's use in the treatment of hypoglycemia. Thanks are due to Mr. Hubert Pritchard and Miss Karen Soderquist for expert editorial assistance. I am indebted to Dr. Jack Black, who first conceived of the conference, and to Dr. Irving Tabachnick and Dr. Howard Schwartz for their large part in organizing the entire program. Drs. Rachmiel Levine, Gerold Grodsky, George Cahill, Jr., and Martin Goldner served capably as moderators.