The effect of hypophysectomy on the function of the insulin-sensitive central nervous system glucoregulator receptor

Abstract

Hypophysectomized and healthy control rats were studied to investigate the mechanism of action of the insulin-sensitive glucoregulator receptor of the central nervous system (CNS). Glucagon-free insulin (500 muU) was injected into the carotid artery, and the peripheral blood glucose was monitored. An immediate significant fall in the blood sugar was observed in intact as well as in hypophysectomized rats. To control these experiments buffer was injected into the carotid artery, or 500 muU insulin was given through the jugular vein of intact and hypophysectomized animals. The systemic blood sugar level remained unchanged for 10-15 min in the control experiments. The results indicate that the function of this insulin-sensitive glucoregulator CNS receptor is not impaired in the hypophysectomized state. The initial phase of its effect, the sudden decrease of the blood sugar level, appears to be independent of pituitary hormone secretion.