A Re-Evaluation of Allometric Relationships for Circulating Concentrations of Glucose in Mammals

Colin G Scanes

doi:10.4236/fns.2016.74026

Abstract

Purpose: The present study examined the putative relationship between circulating concentrations of glucose and log10 body weight in a large sample size (270) of wild species but with domesticated animals excluded from the analyses. Methods: A data-set of plasma/serum concentration of glucose and body weight in mammalian species was developed from the literature. Allometric relationships were examined. Results: In contrast to previous reports, no overall relationship for circulating concentrations of glucose was observed across 270 species of mammals (for log10 glucose concentration adjusted R2 = -0.003; for glucose concentration adjusted R2 = -0.003). In contrast, a strong allometric relationship was observed for circulating concentrations of glucose in Primates (for log10 glucose concentration adjusted R2 = 0.511; for glucose concentration adjusted R2 = 0.480). Conclusion: The absence of an allometric relationship for circulating concentrations of glucose was unexpected. A strong allometric relationship was seen in Primates.

Highlights

Glucose in the blood is the principal energy source for brain functioning and but glucose can be used as the energy source for multiple other tissues
A relationship between metabolic rate and circulating concentration of glucose has been reported [1] with higher blood concentration of glucose with increasing metabolic rates in across vertebrates
The present study re-examines the relationship between circulating concentrations of glucose and body weight in mammals with a large sample size (270) of wild species but with domesticated animals excluded from the analyses

Summary

Introduction

Glucose in the blood is the principal energy source for brain functioning and but glucose can be used as the energy source for multiple other tissues. Scanes tions of glucose was reported in one study (blood: [4]) but not in another (plasma/serum: [5]). This leads us to question whether an allometric relation for circulating concentrations of glucose, exists in mammals. The presence of such a relationship would be consistent with the relationship between basal metabolic rate being proportional to either the body weight to the power two thirds (2/3) (reviewed: [6]) or three quarters (3/4) [7] [8]

Methods

Results

Conclusion