Superior mesenteric artery blood flow (SMABF) increases significantly during and after the hypoglycaemia reaction in healthy humans. To investigate the mechanisms controlling this phenomenon, SMABF and plasma catecholamines were measured in healthy human volunteers. In 10 controls, hypoglycaemia was induced by insulin infusion (2.5 m-units·min-1·kg-1). In six subjects, β-blockade by propranolol infusion (0.7 µg·min-1·kg-1) preceded insulin infusion and was continued throughout the study. Following the hypoglycaemia reaction, the glucose nadir was similar in both groups. In controls, increases in SMABF [42.4±6.1% (mean±S.E.M.); P < 0.001], cardiac output (34.3±2.3%; P < 0.001) and pulse rate (from 63.9±2.7 to 82.5±3.1 beats/min; P < 0.001) occurred. Superior mesenteric artery resistance fell by 32.4±3.3% (P < 0.001). Under β-blockade, decreases in SMABF (34.8±2.9%; P < 0.001) and pulse rate (from 59.5±0.2 to 51.8±2.2 beats/min; P < 0.001) occurred. Superior mesenteric artery resistance increased (peak +30.8±12.3%; not significant). Subjects showed greater increases in adrenaline (P < 0.006) and noradrenaline (P < 0.022) concentrations than controls. Mesenteric hyperaemia associated with hypoglycaemia in man appears to be mediated by a β-adrenergic mechanism that is activated by increased circulating levels of adrenaline.
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Research Article|
May 11 1999
Physiological control of splanchnic blood flow by adrenaline: studies during acute hypoglycaemia in man
David R. PARKER;
*University of Bristol Department of Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, U.K.
Correspondence: Dr D. R. Parker, Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist, Weston General Hospital, Grange Road, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare BS23 4TQ, U.K.
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Geoffrey D. BRAATVEDT;
Geoffrey D. BRAATVEDT
*University of Bristol Department of Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, U.K.
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Michael HALLIWELL;
Michael HALLIWELL
†Department of Medical Physics, Bristol General Hospital, Guinea Street, Bristol, U.K.
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Roger J. M. CORRALL
Roger J. M. CORRALL
*University of Bristol Department of Medicine, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, U.K.
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
The Biochemical Society and the Medical Research Society © 1999
1999
Clin Sci (Lond) (1999) 96 (6): 623–629.
Citation
David R. PARKER, Geoffrey D. BRAATVEDT, Michael HALLIWELL, Roger J. M. CORRALL; Physiological control of splanchnic blood flow by adrenaline: studies during acute hypoglycaemia in man. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 June 1999; 96 (6): 623–629. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/cs0960623
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