EFFECT OF COPPER ON CARBOHYDRATE-METABOLISM IN RATS

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 18  (8) , 840-844
Abstract
Rats fed a Cu-poor diet had a reduced plasma insulin response to an oral glucose load in comparison with rats fed a Cu-supplemented diet. The increment in plasma glucose above the fasting level at 60 and 120 min was significantly higher in rats maintained on the Cu-poor diets. In vitro glucose incorporation into diaphragm glycogen and into epididymal fat-pad lipids was stimulated > 2-fold by the addition of 100 .mu.g/ml CuCl2 to the incubation medium. In tissues of streptozotocin-diabetic rats, the stimulatory effect of Cu on glucose incorporation in vitro was noted, but was significantly smaller. Glucose utilization by peripheral tissues and insulin release may be added to the many vital functions for which Cu is essential.