The effect of epinephrine on immunoreactive insulin levels in man.

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Abstract
Epinephrine, 6[mu]g/min., was infused into noral men and women. Despite marked hyperglycemia, immunoreactive insulin (IRI) levels were unchanged from basal until after the infusions were stopped. In contrast, IRI levels were increased during glucose infusions, 300 mg/min., producing comparable blood sugar changes. IRI levels were lower than expected when epinephrine was infused simultaneously with glucose, glucagon, and tolbutamide. This inhibitory effect of epinephrine upon an IRI response was maintained for periods up to 7 hr. by continuous infusion of epinephrine. The inhibition was reversed after epinephrine infusions were discontinued and maximal elevations of serum IRI were noted within 15 min. These findings are considered to reflect a direct inhibition of pancreatic insulin release by circulating epinephrine.