A comparison of adrenalin and glucagon effects on carbohydrate levels of larval and adult Rana pipiens

Abstract

Hyperglycemia was observed in frogs after single ip injections of doses above 50 [mu]g/kg of adrenalin and glucagon. Blood glucose responses were maximal at 3 hr and lasted at least 5 hr. Lactacidemia was apparent after treatment with adrenalin at doses of 50 [mu]g/kg and above. The increase in lactate was apparent by 1 hr and had dropped to control levels by 5 hr. Tissue glycogen loss was not observed after treatment with either hormone in adults. Preliminary studies with tadpoles indicated a hyperglycemic response to adrenalin and glucagon at doses of 1.0 mg/kg and an increase in lactate after injection of a 1.0 mg/kg dose of adrenalin. Liver glycogen loss was observed following glucagon but not adrenalin. Both hormones stimulated glucose release from liver slices of frogs and tadpoles.