Effect of adrenaline on the glucose uptake by the canine hindlimb

Abstract

The effect of adrenaline on the glucose uptake by a non-exercising hindlimb was studied in fasted anaesthetized dog. Glucose uptake (mg/min) was calculated as the product of the venous blood flow and anterio-venous glucose difference (A - V). Although, adrenaline caused significant increase in venous blood flow, it however, reduced significantly the (A - V) glucose level and the glucose uptake by the hindlimb. The adrenaline effects were however, abolished by pretreating the animal with propranolol, a B-adrenergic blocker. it was therefore concluded that the skeletal muscle of the canine hindlimb is not involved in glucose homeostasis during adrenaline hyperglycemia.