Effect of Adrenal Steroids on Carbohydrate Metabolism in Various Animal Species

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Abstract
Effects of adrenal steroids on carbohydrate metabolism in several animal species have been studied. A single administration of a corticosteroid hormone induces elevations of blood sugar and total liver carbohydrate in guinea pigs; however, the responses are smaller and occur later than in rats. Adrenal cortical hormones do not alter blood glucose concentrations of dogs. The in vitro effect of triamcinolone on carbohydrate synthesis by liver of rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and dogs was compared. The steroid induced a considerable increase in gluconeogenesis by rat liver; however, the hormone did not stimulate carbohydrate synthesis by guinea pig liver. There was increased carbohydrate production when rabbit and dog livers were incubated with triamcinolone, but the rise was less than that which occurred in rat liver. These results demonstrate that adrenal cortical hormones have a greater effect on gluconeogenesis in rats than in other animals, and it is suggested that in other species the primary effect of adrenal steroids on carbohydrate metabolism is to inhibit peripheral utilization of glucose. (Endocrinology75: 521, 1964)