α‐Adrenergic Stimulation of Glycolysis and Na+, K+‐Transport in Perfused Rat Liver

Abstract
Interactions between α‐adrenergic‐induced lactate production, respiration and K+ uptake of perfused rat livers were investigated. Inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport by cyanide had no effect on K+ uptake, decreased phenylephrine‐induced lactate production by 60% and suppressed extra O2 consumption by more than 90%. Ouabain did not affect α‐adrenergic‐induced respiration but inhibited K+ uptake and extra lactate production. Effects of ouabain and K+‐free medium on lactate production were additive and independent of cyanide, indicating that they were mediated by extramitochondrial mechanisms. Extra ATP utilized for K+ uptake in response to phenylephrine was apparently of glycolytic rather than mitochondrial origin. We propose that α‐adrenergic‐induced lactate production is secondary to an enhanced operation of the plasma membrane (Na+,K+)‐ATPase.