Effect of corticosteroids on carbohydrate metabolism in Bufo melanostictus (Schneider)

A single injection of corticosterone (1 or 5 micrograms/50 g body weight) produced a significant elevation in plasma glucose, liver and muscle glycogen contents of B. melanostictus. Single but identical doses of aldosterone had no effect on plasma glucose concentration. Liver and muscle glycogen contents were however significantly augmented. Administration of 1 or 5 micrograms corticosterone and 1 microgram or 200 ng aldosterone/50 g body weight, for 15 days, caused no change in plasma glucose concentration. In all the groups receiving corticosterone or aldosterone for 15 days, liver and muscle glycogen contents significantly increased. The magnitude of increase in liver and muscle glycogen by aldosterone was marginally greater than that by corticosterone. The results suggest that both the corticosteroids may be gluconeogenic in B. melanostictus.