Effect of glucose on the glucagon response after the electroconvulsive therapy in man

The effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on plasma glucagon, insulin and glucose levels was studied in 5 male psychiatric patients. Plasma glucagon level was significantly increased 30 min after ECT with mild increase of plasma glucose, and insulin levels remained unchanged. Infusion of 40 g of glucose during 20 min prior to ECT led to a blockade of plasma glucagon response. Administration of glucose in bolus of 25 g I.V. immediately after ECT was followed by the same suppression of glucagon response, moreover, the glucose stimulation of insulin secretion after the ECT was reduced when compared to glucose administration alone (without ECT). These results indicate that the inhibitory role of glucose on pancreatic glucagon release is operating also in stress. However, the glucose-induced insulin secretion after ECT was suppressed as in other stress situations.