The effect of catecholamines on intestinal glucose and oxygen uptake in the dog

Using the anaesthetized dog, continuous recording was made of the oxygen and glucose contents of the artery and the vein draining the upper jejunum. Flow was also measured and results expressed as differences in oxygen and glucose between the aorta and the jejunal vein (a-v), also as oxygen consumption and glucose uptake. Resting glucose uptake was greater than could be accounted for on the basis of oxidation. When adrenaline (1 microgram/kg. min) or noradrenaline (2 micrograms/kg. min) was infused intravenously, oxygen uptake rose by about 50% whereas glucose uptake rose by 300-500%; moreover, the rise in glucose uptake was apparent before the rise in oxygen uptake. The beta-blocking agent, propranolol (0 X 5 mg/kg. min) had no effect on oxygen uptake but caused a three-fold rise in glucose uptake. Subsequently infusion of adrenaline had no effect on oxygen uptake and no effect on glucose uptake. However, on stopping the infusion there was a marked drop in glucose uptake, which was not maintained. It is suggested that the effects of catecholamines may be due to altered arterial blood glucose levels and that the jejunum may play a role in glucose homeostasis which requires the action of beta receptors.