Potentiation of Diabetogenic Effect of L-Asparaginase by Prednisolone

E. coli L-asparaginase 250 and 500 U/kg given in a single IV dose did not produce hyperglycemia or glycosuria in rabbits. Prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day administered for 14 days was also nondiabetogenic. A combination of L-asparaginase 500 U/kg with prednisolone was diabetogenic in all the animals. The results suggest that the two drugs act synergistically in producing the diabetogenic effect The clinical significance of these findings was discussed.