The Effects of Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin and Estradiol on Gluconeogenesis and Hepatic Glycogen Formation in the Rat

Abstract

In vivo gluconeogenesis and hepatic glycogen content were evaluated in ovariectomized rats following estradiol and human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) treatment. Gluconeogenesis was significantly decreased in animals receiving estradiol. This occurred coincident with hyperinsulinemia. In animals receiving HCS, insulin also was elevated, however no inhibition of gluconeogenesis was observed in these animals. Combined treatment with estradiol and HCS resulted in gluconeogenic inhibition which was comparable to that obtained with estradiol treatment alone. This occurred in the face of elevations in serum insulin approximately twice that observed with either HCS or estradiol treatment alone. Hepatic glycogen content was increased in the estradiol treated animals and was comparably elevated in the animals receiving both HCS and estradiol. These observations suggest that HCS opposes the effects of insulin on hepatic metabolism.

Key words

HCS - Estradiol - Pregnancy - Gluconeogenesis - Insulin Resistance