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Atropine: effects on glucose metabolism
M Durkot1, O Martinez, V Pease
1Heat Research Division, U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760-5007.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Atropine, an organophosphate antidote, significantly increases glucose production and utilization in rats, potentially offering ergogenic benefits during exercise. This metabolic enhancement is linked to elevated catecholamines.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic research
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Organophosphate poisoning requires effective antidotes.
- Understanding atropine's metabolic impact is crucial for its clinical application.
- Glucose homeostasis is vital for energy metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of atropine on glucose production and utilization.
- To elucidate the role of catecholamines in atropine-induced metabolic changes.
- To assess the potential ergogenic effects of atropine.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the primed constant infusion technique in rats.
- Employed radioisotopes (6-3H-glucose and U-14C-glucose) to track glucose metabolism.
- Measured plasma catecholamine, insulin, glucagon, and corticosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Atropine significantly increased glucose production and oxidation rates.
- Elevated plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were observed post-atropine.
- No significant changes in insulin, glucagon, corticosterone, or VO2 were detected.
Conclusions:
- Atropine enhances glucose production and utilization in rats.
- Catecholamine elevation likely mediates atropine's glucokinetic effects.
- Atropine may possess ergogenic properties during exercise in thermoneutral environments.