Effect of insulin administration on water drinking in children

Abstract

The effect of insulin administration on water intake, was studied in children submitted to standard protocols for stimulation of secretion of hypophyseal hormones by i.v.treatment with several different drugs: insulin, insulin plus TRH and LH-RH; and propranolol, clonidine or LH-RH.Drinking was measured from 0 to 90 min after drug administration; from blood samples taken at 60 min for hypophyseal hormones analysis, microhaematocrit values were measured, as well as plasma renin activity (PRA) and glycaemia.Water intake was significantly higher in both groups of patients receiving insulin than in the control group (no insulin).Haematocrit values did not change after 60 min.There was a significant correlation of glycaemia of individuals from all three groups and water intake at 60 min.PRA was significantly higher in insulin treated individuals.