Influence of Acetate on Glucose Metabolism in the Perfused Hind‐Quarter of the Rat

Abstract

The metabolism of U-14C-glucose and U-14C-acetate and the interaction between the 2 substrates in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat was studied. Five per cent of glucose taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 15% of total O2 consumption. Glucose was mainly incorporated into glycogen, while incorporation into lipids was negligible. Acetate did not significantly alter glucose uptake, 14C-glucose oxidation or the incorporation of 14C-glucose into glycogen and lipids. Forty-five percent of acetate taken up was oxidized to CO2, accounting for 20-25% of total O2 consumption. Insulin did not affect uptake but increased 14C-acetate oxidation. O2 consumption was slightly increased by simultaneous oxidation of glucose and acetate and in this situation the tissue content of high-energy phosphate compounds was slightly elevated. Only minor effects by acetate on glucose metabolism in the perfused skeletal muscle were found. The insignificant effects compared to previously reported studies on heart tissue can be explained by differences in acetate metabolism between the 2 tissues.