EFFECTS OF PROSTAGLANDIN-E1 AND PROSTAGLANDIN-F2A ON INSULIN AND GLUCAGON PLASMA-LEVELS DURING INTRAVENOUS GLUCOSE-TOLERANCE TEST IN MAN

Abstract

The influence of prostaglandin [PG] E1 and PG F2.alpha. on circulating concentrations of insulin and glucagon during the i.v. glucose tolerance test was studied in normal man. Insulin responses to glucose during PGE1 infusion (0.2 .mu.g/kg per min) were significantly lower than in control infusions (P < 0.01 at 2, 5, 10 and 15 min). PGE1 caused a clear elevation of basal glucagon P < 0.02). PGF2.alpha. at the 2 doses used (0.2 and 0.5 .mu.g/kg per min), had no effect on basal glucose, insulin and glucagon levels, nor upon glucose-induced insulin secretion. Neither PG affected the glucose-induced inhibition of pancreatic .alpha.-cells. PG of the E series may play some role in modulating the secretion of human pancreatic .beta.-cells.