Influence of Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and Nicotine on Blood Levels of Glucose, Free Fatty Acids and Amino Nitrogen in Pigs

Abstract

Subcutaneous injections of epinephrine and norepinephrine increased blood levels of glucose and free fatty acids in 25- and 80-kg. pigs. Peak levels of both blood components were maintained for longer periods of time in heavier pigs. The injection of 0.125 mg. of epinephrine per kilogram of body weight produced higher levels of blood glucose and FFA in 80-kg. pigs than in 25-kg. pigs. Plasma FFA was also found to increase in pigs fasted over 24 hr. Epinephrine resulted in a significant decrease in plasma amino nitrogen levels, but norepinephrine had no effect. Nicotine sulfate given orally at a level of 2.5 mg./kg. caused a significant increase in blood glucose, but had no effect on plasma FFA. A dosage of 1 mg. of nicotine sulfate per kilogram had no effect on plasma amino nitrogen. An increase in blood glucose was generally reflected in higher excretion of reducing substances in the urine. Copyright © 1965. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1965 by American Society of Animal Science