Glucose kinetics in dogs following a lethal dose of endotoxin.

The effects of a lethal dose of Escherichia coli endotoxin on the glucose kinetics and cardiovascular responses of conscious dogs were studied. The plasma glucose level fell steadily after endotoxin administration to severely hypoglycemic levels preterminally. The fall in plasma glucose appeared to be due primarily to an increased tissue uptake in the early phase, whereas decreased hepatic glucose output also contributed in the later, preterminal phases.