Inhibitory effect of plasma free fatty acids on glucose production in the conscious dog.

Abstract

We have previously reported that, in conscious, unrestrained dogs in which insulin and glucagon levels were clamped pharmacologically, combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade resulted simultaneously in a fall in plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels and an increase in glucose production. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that the increase in glucose production observed in the previous study was due to the fall in plasma FFA concentration. Glucose production was measured by means of the primed-constant infusion of [6-3H]- and/or [U-14C]glucose, and insulin and glucagon were clamped at constant levels by means of the infusion of somatostatin, insulin, and glucagon. When no attempt was made to control the FFA levels, combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade significantly decreased plasma FFA levels, and this was associated with a significant increase in the rate of glucose production. However, the glucose production response to adrenergic blockade was entirely prevented by the clamping of FFA levels at a high, constant value by the infusion of a 10% lipid emulsion (Liposyn) and heparin. We conclude that basal adrenergic activity is important in the mobilization of fat but does not directly influence glucose production. Further, there is an inhibitory effect of FFA on glucose production that is unmasked during hormonal control and alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade.