Provocation Test with an α₂-Adrenergic Blocking Agent (DG-5128) in Insulinoma

Abstract

DG-5128, a new α₂-adrenergic blocking agent, was successfully used for the diagnosis of insulinoma in a 61-year-old female who showed normal responses of insulin to intravenous glucagon and of C-peptide to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. As compared to normal controls, oral administration of 150mg DG-5128 induced marked and prolonged increase of serum insulin level, resulting in concomitant hypoglycemia. These abnormalities were corrected to normal postoperatively. These results suggest the usefulness of DG-5128 as an agent for provocation tests of insulinoma.