The Effects of Insulin, Glucagon, Glutamate, and Glucose Infusion on Blood Glutamate and Plasma Glucose Levels in Naive Rats

Abstract

The results of this study demonstrate that glucose, insulin, and glucagon significantly reduce blood glutamate levels. The effect of insulin is immediate and transient, whereas the effect of glucagon is delayed but longer lasting, suggesting that the sensitivity of pancreatic glucagon and insulin-secreting cells to glutamate is dependent on glucose concentration. The results of this study provide insight into blood glutamate homeostasis and may assist in the implementation of new therapies for brain neuroprotection from excess glutamate.