Involvement of adrenaline in diazepam-induced hyperglycemia in mice

Abstract

Diazepam-elicited hyperglycemia in mice was inhibited by adrenalectomy and the catecholamine synthesis inhibitor α-methyl-p-tyrosine, although it was unaffected by pretreatment with the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor dexamethasone. Diazepam-induced hyperglycemia was prevented by the α 2 adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, while the β 1 and β 2 adrenoceptor antagonists, metoprolol and ICI 118 551, did not affect it. Furthermore, diazepam increased plasma adrenaline levels in mice. These results suggest that diazepam-induced hyperglycemia is closely related to adrenaline release from the adrenal gland.