Acute Effects of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin on Insulin and Glucagon Release in the Isolated Perfused Pancreas

Abstract

Insulin and glucagon release from the isolated perfused pancreas of rats was measured following administration of human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS). In the presence of low glucose levels there is a significant acute but short release of insulin and glucagon following HCS, which is not sustained despite continuous HCS infusion. The magnitude of HCS-induced insulin and glucagon release is closely related to the glucose concentration of the perfusion medium. At high glucose levels of 11 mM. there is no significant action on insulin or glucagon output by HCS. The short peaks of insulin and glucagon release are probably due to an HCS-induced membrane effect. The acute effects on α and β cells of the endocrine pancreas may indicate certain relationships between glycohomeostasis and HCS serum levels in pregnancy.