[Effects of propranolol on some metabolic changes induced with insulin]

The effect of propranolol on certain insulin-induced metabolic changes in man. The effects of 0.2 mg/kg/body weight propranolol perfused in 10' on insulin-induced (0.15 I.U./Kg i.v.)changes in blood glucose, pyruvate, lactic acid, phosphorus, and potassium levels were examined in 12 normal volunteers. The blood glucose curve was substantially unaffected. Insulin-induced increases in lactate and pyruvate were inhibited to a varying degree, namely 78% (61-93%) and 44% (0.94%) respectively. The fall in phosphorus was reduced in a more constant manner (mean 48; range 37-57%) in all subjects, while that of potassium was not altered. The data indicate that these insulin-induced changes are significantly, though variably, attributable to beta-adrenergic activity on the part of endogenous catecholamines released during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia.