Hyperglycemia associated with the therapeutic use of L-asparaginase: possible role of insulin receptors

J Pediatr. 1978 Nov;93(5):775-8. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(78)81075-0.

Abstract

A study of four children, two with acute lymphocytic leukemia and two with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, treated for three days with L-asparaginase, suggests that insulin receptors may be involved in the hyperglycemia associated with the use of L-asparaginase. Comparison of insulin receptors of circulating monocytes revealed a marked decrease in their number after treatment. This might also explain the lack of response to insulin treatment in one of the patients with symptomatic hyperglycemia.

MeSH terms

  • Asparaginase / adverse effects*
  • Asparaginase / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Monocytes / ultrastructure
  • Receptor, Insulin / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptor, Insulin
  • Asparaginase