Stimulation of Glucagon Secretion by Epinephrine in Man

Abstract

To determine the influence of the adrenergic system on pancreatic alpha-cell function in man, effects of epinephrine on plasma glucagon levels were studied in 8 normal subjects. During infusion of epinephrine (6 μg/min for 1 hr) plasma glucagon rose progressively from a mean (± sem) level of 125 ± 9.1 pg/ml to a mean maximum of 180 ± 18.7 pg/ml, p < 0.01. Despite coexistent hyperglycemia, plasma insulin did not increase appreciably. Thus epinephrine stimulates glucagon secretion in man while inhibiting insulin release. The adrenergic system therefore appears to influence both pancreatic alphaand beta-cell function in man.