Journal of Lipid Research, Vol. 8, 300-307, July 1967
Copyright © 1967 by Lipid Research, Inc.

Effects of epinephrine, corticotropin, and thyrotropin on lipolysis and glucose oxidation in rat adipose tissue

George A. Bray

New England Medical Center Hospitals and Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111

(Log dose)-response curves have been determined for lipolysis and for the conversion of glucose-¹⁴C to ¹⁴CO₂ by adipose tissue from rats in the presence of epinephrine, corticotropin, and thyrotropin. The stimulatory effect of epinephrine on lipolysis was greater than that of corticotropin or thyrotropin. Lipolysis induced by epinephrine was inhibited by propranolol but only slightly by phenoxybenzamine, whereas lipolysis induced by corticotropin was inhibited by phenoxybenzamine to a much greater extent than by propranolol. Neither blocking drug had a pronounced effect on the response to thyrotropin.

Epinephrine stimulated the oxidation of glucose-¹⁴C to CO₂ more than did either thyrotropin or corticotropin. Moreover, epinephrine stimulated the conversion of glucose-¹⁴C to CO₂ and fatty acids even when lipolysis was not increased.

These studies indicate that epinephrine can affect glucose utilization independently of its effect on lipolysis.

Supplementary key words adipose tissue • lipolytic hormones • adrenergic receptors • glucose metabolism • epinephrine • corticotropin • thyrotropin • rat

Submitted on October 24, 1966
Accepted on February 27, 1967

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