Inhibition of kidney cortex gluconeogenesis by adrenochrome and indole 2-carboxylic acid

Abstract

Gluconeogenesis in renal cortex slices was inhibited by adrenochrome and indole 2-carboxylic acid, at concentrations in the range 3–50 μg/ml. Inhibition was extensive with pyruvate as substrate, and with glutamine in the case of adrenochrome, but was less marked from glycerol and fructose. Butyrate reversed the inhibition by indole 2-carboxylic acid, but not that by adrenochrome. Both drug effects were reversible on washing the tissue. Less potent effects on gluconeogenesis were exerted by quinolinate in kidney (30 per cent inhibition at 50 μg/ml) and adrenochrome in perfused liver (no effect at 25 μg/ml). These actions are discussed in regard to their significance, and mechanism.