[Morphologic effect of adrenaline and insulin on bone capillaries after receptor blockade. Functional transmission

J R Döhler1, S P Hughes

  • 1I. Chirurgische Abteilung-Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Krankenhaus Plau am See.

Langenbecks Archiv Fur Chirurgie
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Insulin significantly alters bone endothelium, suggesting insulin receptors exist in bone tissue. This finding supports previous research on epinephrine's effects on bone capillaries.

Area of Science:

  • Bone biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Microcirculation

Context:

  • Alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors were blocked in mice using phentolamine and propranolol.
  • Mice received intravenous injections of saline, epinephrine, or insulin.
  • Cortical bone capillaries from the tibia diaphysis were examined.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the effects of insulin and epinephrine on bone microvasculature.
  • To determine if insulin interacts with bone tissue at a cellular level.

Summary:

  • Transmission electron microscopy revealed significant changes in the endothelium of bone capillaries exclusively after insulin administration.
  • No significant changes were observed in the lumen diameter.
  • These results indicate the presence of insulin receptors within bone tissue.

Impact:

  • Provides evidence for insulin's direct role in bone microcirculation.
  • Suggests a potential new pathway for insulin action in bone metabolism.
  • Supports prior research on epinephrine's vascular effects in bone.