STIMULATION OF ANTERIOR PITUITARY AND CEREBRAL CORTICAL GLUCOSE OXIDATION BY NEUROHUMORAL AGENTS

Abstract

Epinephrine, norepinephrine and serotonin stimulate in vitro glucose-1-C¹⁴ oxidation to C¹⁴O₂ by anterior and posterior pituitary slices, and cerebral cortical fragments. The effect was demonstrable with 15-minute incubations. It was not observed with testis or liver. Glucose-6-C¹⁴ and pyruvate-2-C¹⁴ oxidation were not influenced by these agents. No stimulation of glucose uptake by epinephrine or serotonin could be demonstrated. Ergotamine, dibenzyline and DCI did not block the epinephrine effect in the concentrations employed, nor did preincubation with reserpine block the serotonin effect. Acetylcholine, pitressin, posterior pituitarjr powder and extracts of posterior pituitary and hypothalamus did not enhance glucose oxidation by the anterior pituitary.