A model for treating post-irradiation nausea and vomiting in man: the action of insulin in abolishing radiation-induced delay in gastric emptying in the rat

Abstract

Radiation-induced delay in gastric emptying in rats, which may be comparable to radiation-induced nausea and vomiting in man, can be successfully treated with insulin. Biphasic insulin, given in the appropriate dose for the radiation exposure, restored the rate of emptying to normal and was used instead of soluble insulin which made the stomach empty quicker than normal. Some of the evidence suggests that this effect of insulin is related to its action on carbohydrate metabolism, but there was no simple correlation between the hypoglycaemic action of insulin and its effect on stomach emptying. A complete explanation for this action of insulin cannot be given at this stage but the possible involvement of intestinal hormones, such as enteroglucagon is discussed. It is suggested that the use of insulin to treat radiation-induced nausea and vomiting in man should be considered.