Effects of canine growth hormone on the metabolism of plasma glucose and free fatty acids in the dog.

Abstract

Studies were carried out to compare certain metabolic effects of canine growth hormone administered to the normal dog with the effects produced by bovine growth hormone in the normal dog. The iv injection of canine growth hormone has no immediate effect on plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin and on glucose production and uptake, but plasma FFA and glycerol concentrations fall initially and rise significantly above control levels at 4 hr. Daily administration of canine growth hormone (1 mg⁄kg⁄day) results in a mild hyperglycemia and elevation of plasma insulin levels, and in an increased rate of glucose production and uptake, as measured by 14C-glucose primeinfusion. The canine growth hormone regimen can also produce diabetes which is characterized by marked elevation of plasma glucose and insulin levels and by an increased rate of glucose turnover. All the above effects are similar to those obtained with bovine growth hormone. The turnover of plasma FFA, as measured by infusion of 14C-palmitate, ...