Glucoregulation under beta-adrenergic stimulation by dobutamine and terbutaline in the male rat

The influence of the beta-adrenoreceptor stimulating agents dobutamine and terbutaline as compared to epinephrine on insulin and glucose levels has been assessed in the male rat. All agents were infused either intravenously or subcutaneously over 6 h at varying dosages. In addition, epinephrine was given concomitantly with the alpha-adrenoreceptor blocker phentolamine. The heart frequency as an estimate of the effects of the adrenergic agents beyond the glucoregulatory system was accelerated in a dose-dependent manner. Serum insulin concentrations were significantly increased by phentolamine and significantly depressed by epinephrine, while they were virtually unchanged at any dosages of dobutamine, terbutaline, or epinephrine, when simultaneously applicated with phentolamine. As for serum glucose levels, these agents, again, did not exert any influence, while glucose levels were significantly depressed under phentolamine and significantly increased under epinephrine application. The data demonstrate, that dobutamine and terbutaline at pharmacologically common dosages do not affect glucose homoeostasis. The study does not support a major effect of beta-adrenergic stimulation on the pancreatic B cell in the male rat.