EFFECTS OF INSULIN, GLUCOSE AND GLYCEROL ON FAT METABOLISM IN ALLOXAN-DIABETIC SHEEP.

Abstract

SUMMARY The effects of insulin, glucose injection and oral glycerol on blood or plasma levels of glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), acetic acid and ketone bodies have been studied in alloxan-diabetic sheep. Insulin (0·5 i.u./kg.) lowered glucose levels only slightly, but induced a prompt and marked fall in FFA and acetate levels; ketones declined steadily after the first hour. The rate of utilization of injected glucose was considerably slower in diabetic than in non-diabetic sheep. FFA levels did not decline after glucose injection, while acetate levels declined slowly. Ketone levels were not affected significantly. Glycerol (180 ml.) per os reduced acetate and ketone levels, while tending to increase FFA values. Blood glucose also increased considerably. These data are consistent with present knowledge of the metabolic lesions in severe diabetes. However, it is concluded that there is impairment of acetate and, probably, ketone oxidation in severe diabetic ketosis. Finally, the metabolic changes recorded are compared with those which occur after insulin, glucose or glycerol administration to ewes showing clinical signs of ovine pregnancy toxaemia following severe and prolonged undernourishment in late pregnancy.