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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1989; 93(2/03): 313-320
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1210874
Original

© J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Glucoregulatory Function of Thyroid Hormones: Evidence for an Insulin-Independent Effect

M. J. Müller1 , J. Möring2 , U. Paschen3 , H. J. Seitz2
  • 1Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Abt. Klin. Endokrinologie (Head: Prof. Dr. A. v. z. Mühlen), Hamburg, FRG
  • 2Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg, Institut für Physiologische Chemie (Head: Prof. Dr. H. Hilz), Hamburg, FRG
  • 3Allgemeines Krankenhaus Altona, 1. Chirurgische Abteilung (Head: Prof. Dr. H. Kirschner), Hamburg, FRG
Further Information

Publication History

1988

Publication Date:
16 July 2009 (online)

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Summary

The effect of hyperglycemia on glucose kinetics was investigated in normal and T4-treated miniature pigs. 1. T4-treatment increased basal plasma glucose (G) (+20%) and glucose turnover (+36%). 2. Glucose infusion (2 mg/kg × min) in controls increased insulin and glucose utilization (Rd), but decreased glucagon and hepatic glucose production (Ra). After T4-treatment glucose increased insulin, decreased glucagon and Ra but only a slight effect on G and Rd were observed. 3. Infusing glucose + somatostatin resulted in hyperglycemia in both groups due to an initial fall in Ra and Rd followed by an increase in Rd, where total Ra (endogenous + exogenous exceeded Rd. Glucose intolerance was more pronounced in controls, due to a T4-induced increase in Rd. During this non-steady state the increment in Rd per increment in G was calculated and showed 1.5 in controls and 2.5 after T4-treatment. These data give evidence that thyroid hormones increase glucose utilization during hypoinsulinemia.

Key Words

Hyperthyroidism - Glucose production - Glucose utilization

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