ABSTRACT
Catacholamines and cortisol are secreted from the adrenal medulla and cortex. Glucagon is secreted into the circulation by the pancreas. These so-called catabolic hormones are diabetogenic, having properties antagonistic to the actions of insulin. Under their influence glycogen is rapidly converted to glucose. This increases glucose flow rates markedly and quickly depletes limited carbohydrate stores in the liver. Fasting glucose levels become elevated. [3]. Catabolism of fats and protein also occurs, leading to breakdown of muscle protein and negative nitrogen balance at rates up to 30 grs/day for burns greater than 40 % total body surface area (TBSA) [4], with associated loss of potassium, zinc, and creatinine [5,6] (Fig. 1).
