The response of plasma insulin, glucose and non-esterified fatty acids to various hormones, nutrients and drugs in the domestic fowl.

Abstract

SUMMARY The relationships between plasma insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and α-amino nitrogen concentrations in the domestic fowl have been studied. During a 72-hr. fast the plasma glucose concentration fell while the NEFA concentration rose but there was no change in plasma insulin concentration. Both oral and intracardiac glucose increased the plasma insulin concentration and lowered the plasma NEFA and α-amino nitrogen concentrations. Oral amino acids increased plasma insulin and glucose concentrations but had no effect on plasma NEFA. Intracardiac ox insulin depressed plasma glucose and α-amino nitrogen and increased the plasma NEFA concentration. Intracardiac glucagon increased both plasma glucose and NEFA and depressed the plasma α-amino nitrogen concentrations but had no significant effect on plasma insulin. Intracardiac adrenaline had no effect on plasma NEFA but increased plasma glucose concentration and caused a small depression in plasma insulin concentration.