An investigation of the role played by oxygen and by cellular respiration in hypoglycemic coma

Summary It has been found that when oxygen is given to patients during insulin coma, the coma is intensified. It is suggested that, in hypoglycemia, the oxygen, that normally would combine with glucose, accumulates in the blood instead, increasing the pH and thereby inactivating the enzymes responsible for cellular respiration. Obviously if these views are correct, oxygen in excess must be regarded as a toxic substance and should never be administered in insulin coma emergencies. On the other hand, methylene blue, a substitute for the non-functioning enzymes, has been found to reestablish the normal processes quickly and safely when used in conjunction with the usual dextrose solution.Read at the Up-state Interhospital Conference of the New York State Department of Mnetal Hygiene at Syracuse Psychopathic Hospital, April 9, 1956.