Pre- and postabsorptive insulin secretion in chronic decerebrate rats

Basal, taste-stimulated (preabsorptive), and postabsorptive insulin secretion and plasma glucose responses were studied in chronic decerebrate rats and their pair-fed neurologically intact controls. In experiment 1, preabsorptive insulin responses (PIR) elicited by oral infusions of glucose solution was measured in chronic decerebrate rats. Oral glucose was ingested and led to a significant short-latency elevation in plasma insulin levels. Plasma glucose levels remained constant during this time. These data show that caudal brain stem mechanisms, in isolation of the forebrain, are sufficient for the neurally mediated PIR elicited by oral glucose stimulation. In experiment 2, effects of decerebration on postabsorptive insulin secretion were measured. During the 3 h immediately after transection there was no effect of decerebration on peripheral plasma insulin or glucose levels. Thereafter, however, basal plasma insulin levels of decerebrate rats were at least twice that of control rats. Plasma glucose levels of both groups remained identical despite the hyperinsulinemia in decerebrate rats. Atropine treatment decreased, and phentolamine administration elicited a greater absolute and percent change increase in insulin levels of decerebrate rats. These data indicate that altered autonomic tone contributes to maintaining the basal hyperinsulinemia in the decerebrate rat. In response to intragastric meals and glucose and intravenous glucose administration, insulin secretion was greater in decerebrate than in control rats. Percent change in insulin levels from base line was similar in both groups after intragastric meals and intravenous glucose. In response to intragastric glucose, however, percent increase in insulin levels was greater in decerebrate rats. Decerebrate rats demonstrated mild glucose intolerance after intragastric and intravenous treatments. These results are contrasted with the known effects of ventromedial hypothalamic lesions on insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.