The contribution of the adrenergic nerves and the adrenals to the increase in plasma levels of insulin, glucagon, and glucose that occurs in response to 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) was investigated in the mouse. Chemical sympathectomy by 6-hydroxydopamine or adrenalectomy was performed 48 h before intravenous injection of 2-DG (500 mg/kg). In controls, 2-DG increased the plasma levels of insulin, glucagon, and glucose (p<0.001). The insulin response to 2-DG was potentiated by adrenalectomy (p<0.01), but not affected by chemical sympathectomy. This indicates that the adrenals, but not the adrenergic nerves, restrain the insulin response to 2-DG, In contrast, 2-DG-induced glucagon secretion was partially inhibited by both chemical sympathectomy and adrenalectomy (p<0.001). This suggests contribution of both the adrenals and the adrenergic nerves to the glucagon response to 2-DG. Similarly, 2-DG-induced hyperglycemia was inhibited by both adrenalectomy (p<0.001) and by chemical sympathectomy (p<0.01).
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