EFFECTS OF GLUCAGON ADMINISTRATION ON MICROCIRCULATION AND BLOOD RHEOLOGY

It has been reported that some theologic abnormalities are associated with diabetes. However, it is difficult to realize the condition of mi crocirculation in men. We developed an intra-vital video-microscopic s ystem (IVVMS) to observe microcirculation directly on the bulbar conju nctiva. Using this system, we investigated the effect of intravenous g lucagon administration on microcirculatory parameters such as the inte rnal diameter of venules, flow velocity and flow volumes in diabetic p atients. Blood viscosity and rheology factors were also examined befor e and after glucagon administration. The time required for erythrocyte s to pass through pores of 5 mu m diameter, as well as whole blood vis cosity were decreased significantly after glucagon administration. Flo w volumes of venules were increased significantly by glucagon. Leukocy te counts, platelet counts and fibrinogen did not change after glucago n administration. However, plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide and cycl ic-AMP were increased. In conclusion, glucagon administration improved blood fluidity and modified the microcirculation in patients with dia betes mellitus.