The effect of stress hormones on the interorgan flux of amino acids and on the concentration of free amino acids in skeletal muscle

Abstract

Plasma concentrations of free amino acids have previously been found to decrease posttraumatically and this decrease can be reproduced by infusion of stress hormones. The mechanisms underlying this effect has not been investigated and therefore 14 healthy subjects were studied by infusing adrenaline alone or a combination of adrenaline, glucagon, and cortisol, in dosages giving pathophysiological plasma concentrations of the hormones. The influence on the interorgan fluxes of free amino acids and on the concentrations of free amino acids in skeletal muscle were determined. During hormone infusion splanchnic oxygen consumption doubled, indicating an increase in metabolic activity. There was a significant decrease in the arterial plasma level of all amino acids except alanine. Significant increases in alanine flux was noted, the release from one leg doubled and the splanchnic uptake increased by 60%. After only 1 h all essential amino acids showed a significantly decreased concentration in muscle while the level of alanine was increased. There were no differences between the two hormone groups. The results indicate that stress hormones can initiate an increased formation of alanine in skeletal muscle and an increase in alanine transport from the periphery to the splanchnic area.