Functional adaptation of the human β-cells after frequent exposure to noradrenaline

Physical training decreases glucose- and arginine-stimulated insulin secretion. The mechanism by which the pancreatic β-cells adapt to the training status of the individual is not known. We hypothesized that the adaptation is mediated via the frequent exercise-induced increases in sympathetic activity. Simulation of exercise-induced increases in plasma noradrenaline (NA) concentrations was carried out in nine untrained men (age: 25 ± 1 years (mean ± SEM); BMI: 24 ± 1 kg m(-2) ), who received infusions of NA (0.2 μg kg(-1) min(-1) ) for 45 min every day for 10 days. The insulin response to glucose was measured during hyperglycaemic (20 mmol l(-1) ) clamps before and after the NA infusion period. During NA infusions mean arterial blood pressure increased (from 89 ± 2 to 110 ± 5 mmHg, P < 0.05) and heart rate decreased (from 78 ± 7 to 69 ± 12 beats min(-1) , P < 0.05). During NA infusions plasma insulin concentrations decreased to nadir by 68% (P < 0.05). Fasting plasma glucose and insulin were not different at the two clamps (5.3 ± 0.1 and 5.3 ± 0.3 mmol l(-1) ; 47 ± 15 and 31 ± 4 pmol l(-1) , respectively). Plasma glucose concentrations during the hyperglycaemic clamps were similar (P > 0.05) and averaged 19.9 ± 0.1 mmol l(-1) with a coefficient of variation of 3.8 ± 0.3%, while the insulin response decreased (P < 0.05) by 26 ± 2% after the 10 days of NA infusions. It is concluded that NA mediates the adaptation of the β-cells seen in trained people.