Chromium-induced hyperglycemia in the rat.

The acute administration of chromium chloride (Cr) produces hyperglycemia in rats. Adrenalectomy prevents the hyperglycemic effect but not the glucose intolerance. Subacute exposure of rats to Cr for 7--23 days does not change the resting blood glucose nor is there an acute or subacute effect on tolerance to glucose load. Administration of Cr does not influence acute insulin hypoglycemia. Thus contrary to Cr deficient animal, at the concentrations tested, Cr appears to be a hyperglycmiec agent to rats with minimal subacute effects.