Central glucoregulation in the pigeon Columba livia. Effects of intraventricular injections of carbachol and catecholamines on blood glucose concentration.

The effect of chemical stimulation of the central nervous system on glucoregulation was studied in pigeons (Columba livia). Adrenaline (30 nmol), noradrenaline (30 or 80 nmol) and carbachol (27 nmol) were injected in 1 microliter NaCl directly into the lateral ventricle and changes in blood glucose concentration were measured. The intraventricular injection of adrenaline resulted in rapid hyperglycemia, whereas the injection of either carbachol or noradrenaline into the lateral ventricle did not cause any significant changes in blood glucose concentration. These results suggest that adrenaline-containing neurons may be involved in central mechanisms controlling blood glucose concentration in the pigeon.