Hyperinsulinemia in rats with hypothalamic obesity: effects of autonomic drugs and glucose

The present study examined the effects of autonomic drugs and glucose on the insulin and glucose concentrations of sham-operated rats and of rats with ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions and obesity. In the basal condition both epinephrine and atropine significantly decreased serum insulin levels in VMH-lesioned but not sham-operated rats. During glucose stimulation of insulin secretion in VMH-lesioned rats, epinephrine inhibited the increase of insulin by 83% and atropine inhibited it by 42%; whereas in sham-operated rats, epinephrine inhibited it by 70% and atropine inhibited it by 34%. Epinephrine with atropine completely blocked the increase of insulin in response to glucose in both VMH-lesioned and sham-operated rats. In the basal condition, epinephrine together with propranolol significantly decreased serum insulin levels in VMH-lesioned but not sham-operated rats. Epinephrine with phentolamine, on the other hand, markedly increased insulin in the VMH-lesioned rats and to a lesser degree in the sham-operated rats. During glucose stimulation epinephrine with propranolol inhibited the increase of insulin in both groups. Epinephrine with phentolamine or isoproterenol markedly increased serum insulin in VMH-lesioned rats. These results suggest that stimulation of the vagus nerve and increased sensitivity of the beta-receptors on the beta-cells of the islet contribute to the development of hyperinsulinemia. The sympathetic contribution may also be through suppression of alpha-adrenergic receptors.